We all know that water is an extremely important nutrient for survival. But besides keeping us alive or just quenching our thirst, it can do a number of things in our bodies to keep us healthy and to help fight the aging process.
Many experts say the average person should drink about 64 ounces of water per day. Other experts say you should drink 1/2 ounce for every 1 pound of body weight to account for all the water loss through the consumption of coffee, alcohol etc. Regardless of the number you use, the sad truth is most of us do not consume nearly enough water throughout the day to really reap the tremendous benefits that clean, fresh water can give us.
Here are ten anti-aging benefits of water
1) Feeds and cleans the cells
Water makes up more than 60 percent of our body weight, and without enough water, other nutrients in the form of food or supplement will have a hard time being assimilated quickly and efficiently. Water moves in and out of the cells on a constant basis. This process helps dissolve nutrients and carries them where they need to go and it carries waste out of the body. Water also feeds your cells to you give you the energy you need. Before grabbing that next cup of coffee or expensive “energy drink” try downing a big glass of water instead.
2) Improves the digestive process
Water works much like oil does in a machine; it keeps us running smooth. Without it, our digestive processes tend to slow down and get sluggish. This can cause a digestive “backup” or in other words, constipation.
3) Maintains an even body temperature.
Whether it is extreme heat or extreme cold, water is a crucial element to helping your body temperature stay out of the danger zone. In extreme heat, our bodies sweat, causing a loss of a lot of water. Not only will water help keep your body temperature from over-heating, causing heat stroke, it will also help prevent serious dehydration. In cold weather, hypothermia is just as serious as heat stroke. Nurses in an Alaskan Hospital have said that dehydration is the number one cause of frostbite.
4) Helps the body heal after sickness, injury or surgery
The body will tend to retain water to help itself heal. By drinking lots of extra water, this process will be amplified. Water will also help flush viruses and infections out of the body.
5) Lubricates and cushions the joints
Water molecules don’t like to be crowded too close together. Because of this, water molecules will spread out, forming a cushion that helps lubricate the joints. Sufferers of diseases like arthritis and gout can really feel the benefit of an abundance of water in their diet. Besides cushioning the joints, water also acts
Water molecules don’t like to be crowded too close together. Because of this, water molecules will spread out, forming a cushion that helps lubricate the joints. Sufferers of diseases like arthritis and gout can really feel the benefit of an abundance of water in their diet. Besides cushioning the joints, water also acts as a shock absorber inside the eyes and within the spinal cord.
6) Makes Your Skin Soft And Smooth
Water is very important for skin to be soft and smooth. Without enough water, the skin will more easily wrinkle and dry out. Water makes the skin more elastic. However, too much of a good thing can be a bit harmful as well. Soaking in a hot bath or hot tub for too long will strip the natural oils out of the skin. These oils are what helps keep the moisture in. Spraying your face with a little water is great for a little pick me up. Using a humidifier in dryer climates is very beneficial for the skin as well.
7) Helps Halt Kidney and Gallstone Formation
Water helps flush waste and impurities from the body. Enough water circulating through the body should be enough to help combat the formation of kidney and gall stones. Gallstones are created when the bile secreted by the liver does not contain enough water. Drinking plenty of water will keep these two organs working with ease.
8) Weight Loss
Although there is a difference of opinion by some experts regarding drinking water before meals, the general consensus is that drinking some water before a meal will cause you to feel more full, thereby helping you eat less at each meal. Drinking water will also give you more energy to do a little extra exercise too.
9) Germs be gone
Water isn’t just for the inside of the body. The best way to rid the germs lurking on your hands is a good soap and water washing. Fewer germs mean less sickness and disease.
10) Makes you smarter
The brain is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body that is highly affected when we are not consuming enough water. Water will help you be able to focus, concentrate, and complete tasks more efficiently.
Have you ever stopped to think about how much water you drink in a day? Is it enough to accomplish the important tasks your body has that requires adequate water to effectively hit the mark? Drinking water only when your feel thirsty is not a good way to judge whether or not you are drinking enough water.
The fact of the matter is, by the time your brain signals your body to trigger a thirst response, you have already gone into slight dehydration. By remembering to drink at least 64 ounces of clean, fresh water every day, you will be in a great place to help fight the many signs of aging, increase your energy level and help stave off certain illnesses as well.
