10 Benefits of Drinking More Water

Everyone knows that drinking lots of water is a critical part of staying hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Good hydration levels keep our bodies cool, insides cleansed, and skin supple.

But water has numerous other benefits, no matter what season it is! Check out the ways that drinking more water can improve your overall health:

  1. Cures that afternoon “crash.”
    Have you ever felt like curling up and going to sleep in the afternoon? If so, dehydration was probably one of the main causes. Fatigue is a very common symptom of even mild dehydration. Though it may be tempting to grab a midday soda or coffee to wake you up, drinking a tall glass of cold water is a better bet.
  2. Keeps kids calm and focused.
    Kids who drink more water can think faster and with more clarity, stay focused on an activity for a longer period of time, and feel calmer and less stressed throughout the day. And parents are happier, too!
  3. Promotes a healthy heart.
    When your body gets an adequate amount of water on a daily basis, it increases and improves overall blood circulation. This allows your heart to pump blood through the vessels more easily so that it doesn’t have to work as hard.
  4. Treats cramps, sprains, and pain.
    Upping your water intake can help relieve both occasional and chronic pain. Water keeps your muscles hydrated, allowing them to more easily expand and contract, lessening your chance of injury.
  5. Prevents UTIs.
    Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that is already in the bladder. The longer urine sits in the bladder, the greater the chance the bacteria has to grow and spread. Drinking more water helps move fluid through the urinary tract and also dilutes the urine so bacteria can’t form as quickly, which is why it’s the best way to stave off a UTI.
  6. Controls appetite.
    If you are one of the millions of people who struggles to lose or maintain their weight, water could be a major ally for you. Water fills up the stomach, helping you feel fuller, and as a result, consume fewer calories. Try drinking a 16 ounce glass of water prior to each meal in order to slow down and feel more satiated while eating.
  7. Reduces bloating.
    When you’re bloated, drinking water may seem like the last thing you want to do, but it can actually be the solution. If you’re not drinking enough water, your body will retain water in order to prevent dehydration. Drinking more water flushes out the retained water, and with it, any excess sodium that’s contributing to the bloat. Drinking water also prevents constipation, which is another source of bloating.
  8. Diminishes hangovers.
    While alcohol should always be consumed in moderation, sometimes hangovers happen even when you’ve done just that. What gives? Blame it on dehydration. To stay hydrated, drink a 16 ounce glass of water in between each alcoholic beverage you drink, and be sure to have an extra glass of water right before bed.
  9. Wards off osteoporosis.
    If you are lactose-intolerant, or you’re just not a fan of dairy, don’t despair — drinking water has been shown to help increase your calcium intake and prevent bone loss in the long-term. Mineral water in particular contains around 200 mg of calcium per liter, which is 20% of the recommended daily intake for women under 50.
  10. Prevents and treats headaches.
    Oftentimes, headaches can be brought on or exacerbated by not drinking enough water. When the body is dehydrated, fluid loss can cause the brain to temporarily contract and pull away from the skull, which results in pain. If you find yourself suffering from regular headaches, evaluate your overall water intake to see if that may be a factor.

Are you searching for a new primary care or speciality physician? Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups has the perfect doctor for you! Your health, well-being, and happiness are core principles of our patient care.

Categories:
Managing Illness Parenting Seniors & Caregivers
Senior Wellness Society

Join our Senior Wellness Society for the latest news on Medicare and tips for healthy living in San Diego!

Sign up now ›

Are you looking for specialized medical care in San Diego?

Our directory has more than 850 doctors in San Diego County of various specialties who are available to help you.

Find a doctor
Buscar un médico