Water is essential for life and all living organisms. The average human body is composed of 65% water. About 70% to 80% of brain tissue is water. Despite these fundamental facts, according to the Institute of Medicine up to 75% of Americans are not drinking enough water.
WebMD suggests drinking at least half an ounce of water for every pound you weigh. For example if you weigh 150 lbs., it would be best to drink a minimum of 75 oz. per day. (Don’t count coffee and alcohol which are dehydrating). However, weather temperatures, activity level and illness can all influence the amount of water you should drink. So if you’re coming up short on your water intake and you need some good reasons to start drinking more water, here are just a few:
1. Boosts your energy
Not consuming enough water can lead you to feel tired and fatigued. Need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up? Your body may be telling you to drink a glass of water. But don’t wait until you feel thirst — once you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrated.
2. Boosts metabolism
Water is required for keeping cellular processes (like your metabolism) and chemical reactions running properly in the body. Drinking the right amount of water, especially cold water, can also increase your metabolic rate, helping you lose weight. Additionally, drinking water before a meal can aid in feeling more full, which may prevent overeating.
3. Aids in digestion
Water allows the body to digest food and excrete waste more effectively. Water is also imperative for overall kidney function. Increased water intake appears to decrease the risk of kidney stones.
4. Improves functional efficiency
Hydrating your body with water improves the functional efficiency of your organs and muscles, including your heart. Dehydration can cause your heart to work harder in order to pump blood throughout your body and blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to your organs and muscles. Hydration is also important for the body when you’re sick, as it helps your lymphatic system to work more effectively.
5. Reduces stress
Research shows that even small levels of dehydration can cause a rise in cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Stress can be a vicious cycle because dehydration can cause stress and stress can cause dehydration. “Stress can result in many of the same responses as dehydration — increased heart rate, nausea, fatigue, headache — so if you can remain hydrated you can reduce the magnitude of the physiological responses we have to stress,” says Trent Nessler, PT, DPT, MPT, managing director of Baptist Sports Medicine in Nashville.
Syfo keeps you hydrated
Now you may say: I know water is essential for healthy living, but plain water doesn’t inspire me to drink. That’s where Syfo comes in. Our Naturally-Flavored Sparkling Waters contain no sugar, caffeine, artificial
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