5 Health Reasons to Drink More Water

Soaking in healing hot springs, sprinkling water in a spiritual ceremony, finding inner calm by listening to the rain on your roof and breathing the moist rainy-day air. What do all of these things have in common?

Water.

More than half of a human body is made up of water. We need water to survive. So it’s not surprising that drinking lots of clean water is one of the simplest ways to help ensure good health.

Here are just a few of the benefits:

1. Without enough water, the liver can’t do its job well. And its job, as you know, is to detox the whole body—a pretty important task in these modern times.

2. Feeling kind of puffy? Drink more water! It can help to ease the fluid retention and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome.

3. Trying to drop a few pounds? Drink water. It naturally suppresses the appetite and helps the body metabolize fat.

4. Drinking lots of water can prevent leg cramps that happen due to mild dehydration in warmer weather.

5. Drinking lots of water can also help prevent chronic dehydration.

If you do get mildly dehydrated, don’t try to drink a gallon of water in three minutes. (Unless you’re trying out for some Book of World Records!) The safest way to rehydrate is to drink small amounts of water frequently. And while you’re at it, enjoy a banana between sips, since they’re loaded with potassium and can re-establish electrolyte balance.

It’s important to keep in mind that it is possible to drink too much water. A good rule of thumb is to drink between six to eight glasses per day. Don’t assume that any liquid you drink counts toward your eight glasses, since some sugary or caffeinated drinks can actually deplete your body of water.

By Lynn Behrendt, contributing writer to Green Living at Care2.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Marija M.

12:22PM PDT on Jun 12, 2013

yes, true. But sometimes a beer is also healthy!

June 12
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Past Member .

10:46AM PDT on Apr 23, 2013

Interesting Article

April 23
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Fred H.

5:18PM PST on Dec 16, 2012

Thank you Lynn, for Sharing this!

December 16
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JL A.

9:33AM PST on Dec 16, 2012

good to know

Michele W.

12:55PM PST on Nov 14, 2012

Thank you

November 14
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Sheri J.

11:15AM PST on Nov 13, 2012

A doctor on a show said that drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water doesn't apply to everyone. The amount of water intake depends on the individual. Some people need to drink more.

November 13
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Dale O.

8:23AM PDT on Jul 31, 2012

Can't say that I care for the taste of local town water or plastic bottled water so end up drinking more tea than anything else. Since I am no longer living near an artesian well, water no longer has its previous appeal and end up drinking more tea than "real" water. Home made at least from ginger root.

The town water is neither "purified or energized" but then neither is the local swamp. Justin the beaver doesn't seem to mind not having purified water and Hortence The Heron swills back swamp water like there is no tomorrow. Being a mere human... will just have to stick to the town's tasteless stuff, improved flavour at least with refrigeration.