In a recent report, it was found that the benefits of drinking water may have been oversold. The old suggestion to drink eight glasses of water a day was merely a guideline, not based on scientific evidence. However, this doesn't mean that we should stop drinking water altogether. Drinking water, whether plain or in the form of other fluids or foods, is essential for our health.
Water is a necessary nutrient that our bodies need. It is present in liquids, plain water, and foods, and is essential for replacing the large amounts of water lost each day through skin evaporation, breathing, urine, and stool. When our water intake doesn't equal our output, we can become dehydrated. This is especially true in warmer climates, during strenuous exercise, in high altitudes, and in older adults who may have a diminished sense of thirst.
There are several reasons why it's important to make sure we're drinking enough water or other fluids every day. First, drinking water helps maintain the balance of body fluids, which is crucial for digestion, absorption, circulation, and the transportation of nutrients. Second, water can help control calories. While it doesn't have any magical effect on weight loss, substituting water for higher calorie beverages can help reduce calorie intake. Water-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, soups, oatmeal, and beans, can also help with weight management.
Third, water helps energize muscles. Muscle cells that don't have adequate fluids don't work as well, leading to muscle fatigue. Fourth, water helps keep our skin looking good. Dehydration can make our skin look dry and wrinkled, so proper hydration is important for maintaining healthy skin. Fifth, water is beneficial for our kidneys. Adequate fluid intake allows the kidneys to effectively cleanse and rid our bodies of toxins. Lastly, water helps maintain normal bowel function and prevents constipation.
If you're looking to increase your fluid intake, here are some tips: have a beverage with every snack and meal, choose beverages you enjoy, eat more fruits and vegetables with high water content, keep a bottle of water with you, and choose beverages that meet your individual needs.
While the recent report may have questioned the specific recommendation of eight glasses a day, it's clear that drinking water and staying adequately hydrated is important for our overall health and well-being.