DRINK UP! Water for Health

Ten Health and Fitness Benefits of Drinking Water

1.Enhances regulation of body temperature – Water decreases or increases heat loss. The circulatory system increases blood flow to the skin surface allowing release of heat through the skin when the body is overheated.  Drink up during and following exercise!

2. Aids weight loss – Water has zero calories, and keeps the stomach feeling  full. People who drink more water usually consume less calories. Water is a natural appetite suppressant. Drink up to fill up!

3. Removes unhealthy toxins – Toxic by-products of metabolism and exercise are ammonia and lactic acid. Water aids circulation in transporting toxins from the body.

3. Reduces heart disease – Water aids circulation to the heart. Blood is 90% water. Dehydration can increase risk of clots and fatty deposits in the blood vessels, increasing risk of heart disease. Chan, Knutsen, Blix, Lee, & Fraser, (2002) found a 41% – 54% less chance of heart attack among people drinking 40 ounces of water daily, compared with those who drank less or consumed sugary beverages.

4. Increases energy level – Drinking water boosts your energy by aiding the heart in pumping circulatory blood to the cells. Dehydration leads to fatigue. Drink up to elevate energy levels!

5. Decreases stress –  Good hydration can lower stress on the body. Dehydration increases the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine (Judelson, 2008), which further increases fluid loss through rapid heart beat and breathing rate.

6. Helps build muscle – Water assists with circulating vital nutrients to growing muscles.  Water also lubricates joints, preventing potential injury during exercise. Dehydration doesn’t allow the body to efficiently cleanse away toxins, which can accumulate, causing pain and inflammation in joints. Drink up to build up!

7. Prevents kidney stones – Adequate fluid intake helps to decrease concentrations of substances involved in stone formation.  Studies (Embon, 1990) have shown the beneficial effects of improved fluid intake to increase urine volume in kidney stone prevention. 8. Decreases headaches/migraines – Dehydration leads to the loss of water and electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride and potassium, which are necessary for the body to function.  A variety of unpleasant symptoms occur when this happens, including headaches and migraines.

9. Helps digestion – Water is vital for nutrients to pass through the membrane of the intestines, and moving waste through the digestive tract.

10. Improves appearance – Hydration keeps your skin cells plump so your skin appears smoother, giving you a more youthful appearance.