Importance of Drinking Water

If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.
Loren Eiseley

This is indeed very true! We all know that water is essential for life and one of the basic needs of all living beings on this earth. However, we may not be aware but water is also one of the most important constituents of the human body. The human brain contains nearly 90% water while 83% of human blood is made up of water, among other constituents. Secondly, our muscles also contain water and regularly need it for proper functioning. Lack or excess loss of water results in a medical condition called dehydration. Dehydration leads to constipation, muscle weakness, headache, tiredness, dryness of skin, etc. In extreme cases, dehydration can even lead to death. In order to avoid this, it is essential to have adequate amounts (8-10 glasses) of pure drinking water every day.

Use of Water to Lose Weight
It may seem peculiar but drinking water helps a lot in burning off the excess calories in your body. When there is sufficient amount of water intake, the body no longer feels the necessity to store it. We may not be aware but, water makes up most of our body weight. Water is also very essential in boosting metabolism and regulating our appetite. Secondly, for those who are seriously thinking of weight loss, should also know that water is one of the best natural appetite suppressants. Having a full glass of water before every meal suppresses one's appetite and makes the person eat less. On the other hand, one often confuses hunger with thirst and hence, tends to eat more. If one regularly has adequate amounts of water, one can cut down on these bouts of overeating which will consequently help in weight loss.

Importance of Water When Exercising
While exercising, a person tends to get dehydrated due to sweating or perspiring. This is even true when the person exercises in cold conditions or under water (as in swimming). Therefore, it is essential to keep the body well hydrated before, during and after exercise. Drinking water is the best way to prevent dehydration caused during exercise. A person should drink 1/2-1 glass of water 20-30 minutes prior to exercising. Secondly, it is also necessary to keep a water bottle close by and have a few sips of water when thirsty. On the other hand, it is often found that people substitute water with sports drinks or sodas which is incorrect. Drinking water is readily absorbed in the body and does not cause any side effects (sports drinks or sodas may contain caffeine and excess calories).

Health Benefits of Water
Apart from the above mentioned ones, there are several other health benefits of drinking water. They include:

• One of the most significant functions of water in the human body is that it helps in transportation of oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body.
• When a person drinks adequate amount of water regularly, he has lesser chances of developing kidney stone.
• Water protects vital organs in the body and also aides in lubricating the joints.
• Water is an excellent help in washing off the toxic waste from the body.
• Having 8-10 glasses of water improves the smoothness and texture of the skin.
• A person drinking sufficient amount of water also has lesser chances of developing joint pain.
• During pregnancy, water keeps away dehydration and complications related to it like headache, dizziness, water retention, oedema, etc.
• Water is also very helpful in treatment and prevention of constipation.
• In summer seasons, or in hot climates, water keeps the body cool and maintains proper temperature.
• Water even helps in lowering high blood pressure in people.

You must have observed that water is essential for proper functioning of all parts of the human body. Hence, it is essential to know the importance of drinking water in order to have a healthy and disease free life! One should remember that drinking water helps in keeping dehydration and its complications at bay!