Benefits of Being Hydrated

After years of working in Anchorage for an Alaska pump and supply residential well water service company, I’ve learned a thing or two about the importance of water and staying hydrated. I’ve proudly helped bring clean water to people’s homes for more than 10 years and I’m always trying to share the benefits of water with others every chance I get.

After all, our bodies are comprised of about 60-70 percent water, meaning it shouldn’t be a mystery why it’s crucial to our health. Many experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, and while this isn’t a magic number that is a cure-all for everything, it is important to keep the benefits of being hydrated in mind at all times.

Here are some of the key benefits to staying hydrated:

Better Workouts

Drinking plenty of water will help maximize your physical performance while exercising. Being hydrated before working out is particularly important in the heat. The effects of dehydration can begin to be felt when the body loses just 2 percent of its water content, but it’s not uncommon to lose about 6-10 percent when working out, making it very important to drink plenty of water when you decide to exercise. Doing so will allow you to perform at your best.

More Energy/Better Brain Function

Even mild dehydration (water loss of 1-3 percent) can lower one’s energy level and affect their mood or lead to reduced brain function and memory. Drinking enough water throughout the day can keep us naturally energized and our brains sharp.

Fewer Headaches

Dehydration can sometimes trigger headaches, especially for those who are susceptible to headaches or migraines. Drinking water can help prevent or relieve headaches. This is not always the case, but drinking water when you have a headache certainly isn’t going to make it any worse.

Weight Maintenance

Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can actually be an effective and safe way to lose weight. By drinking water you increase your body’s metabolism and, often times, satisfy hunger. Studies have shown that drinking 17 ounces of water can increase metabolism by 24-30 percent for nearly two hours. Drinking water before a meal can also make you feel more fool, which means you’re likely to eat less calories.