DID YOU KNOW that your body is made up of 60% WATER? And your brain is made up of 65% water!

We NEED water for our body to function properly and to think clearly. And unfortunately, this is one of the biggest areas people overlook. When people think of health and weight loss, they generally just think about diet and exercise, but drinking enough water is equally important!

Water is vital for nearly every function in your body

We can survive for weeks without food but only 3 days without water. Lack of water can cause fatigue, short term memory loss, trouble concentrating/focusing, dizziness, irritability, constipation and headaches.

Water helps you think more clearly

Like I mentioned above, our brain is made up of 65% water. If you aren’t drinking enough water, you’re head will start to feel cloudy and you’ll have a hard time concentrating. Not drinking enough water can affect your memory and also give you feelings of anxiety. If you’re having a hard time concentrating or staying on task, try drinking a glass of water and see if it helps.

Water helps you have more energy

When you don’t consume enough water, it leads to dehydration and you’ll start to feel tired and lack motivation. It can also lead to headaches and the feeling of wanting to just take a nap. We all know that feeling where you just have no motivation and feel like you can’t take another step. If the only thing that sounds good is a nap RIGHT NOW, it could be dehydration!

Water prevents headaches

Headaches can be caused by dehydration. Staying hydrated can help keep the headaches and even some migraines away. If you feel a headache coming on, go and drink some water to try to help it before it gets any worse. In fact, drinking enough water each day can keep you from reaching for the ibuprofen all together!

Water is necessary for digestion, nutrient absorption and carrying waste out of our bodies

If we don’t drink enough water, our bodies have a hard time getting rid of waste and toxins through urination, bowel movements and sweating. When the waste builds up in our bodies, it can cause a whole bunch of problems for us like constipation, weight gain and our bodies inability to rid itself of toxins. Constipation can lead to digestive disorders, gas, bloating, nausea and stomach cramps. Water is also vital for food digestion and absorption. Water can also help prevent the buildup of minerals that cause kidney stones. (My husband had them once and I don’t wish them on anyone. That alone should be motivation to drink more water!)

Water prevents disease and illness

Water can help protect against diseases and certain types of cancer. Yep you read that right! Lack of sufficient water can also lead to a weakened immune system and imbalances in our bodies. You can also develop ulcers when the stomach doesn’t have enough liquid to make the mucous that protects our stomach from the acids used for digestion. Drinking water helps boost your immune system and avoid illnesses such as the common cold and flu.

Water helps our mood

When we are dehydrated, it makes our head feel like it’s in a fog and can also cause us to feel grumpy and irritable. Even being just a little dehydrated can affect your mood.

Water helps maintain/grow muscles and helps performance in the gym

If you train while dehydrated, you’ll lose strength and muscle size. When you aren’t drinking enough water, your body isn’t able to carry enough oxygen to your muscles making them more easily fatigued and not able to build strength. Water helps prevent muscle breakdown and helps with recovery after your workout! It also prevents muscle cramping and fatique.

Water helps us lose weight

Water suppresses your appetite and is calorie free. Drinking water helps get your metabolism running better which can aid in fat loss! Thirst is often mistaken for hunger and can lead to overeating. So next time you think you’re hungry, try drinking a glass of water first and see if really was hunger or if it was thirst.

Drinking water helps with water retention

Sounds counterproductive right? But no! If you’re feeling extra puffy or can tell you’re retaining water, make it a point to drink lots of water throughout the day and you’ll be feeling back to normal in no time.

Water helps cushion our brain and joints

Not drinking enough water can cause your joints to feel stiff and stiff joints can lead to injury. When you drink enough water, we keep the cartilage in our joints soft and hydrated, which helps relieve any pain or discomfort you may feel in your joints.

So let’s drink up today!!!!