Have you ever wondered why a nothing else can satisfy a thirst better than the way a tall glass of water can? Have you considered what may happen if water was suddenly unavailable?

Do you know that earth is the only known planet to support life, simply because of the fact that it’s the only known planet that has water? Known as the universal substance, approximately 60% of our body is made up of water. We use water every day without even appreciating its importance.  As a matter of fact, you can on average survive three weeks without food but after three days without water, you will most likely die. This ‘liquid gold’ has immense benefits that we often overlook from day to day.

1. Maintaining the Balance of Body Fluids

Bod fluids have several functions which include transportation of important nutrients and hormones, digestion, circulation, absorption, creation of saliva and maintenance of body temperature. If there is an imbalance of your body’s fluid, all your body systems will be affected leading to increased fatigue, and a host of other bodily ailments.

2. Prevention and Relief of Constipation

Consuming water helps to maintain the flow of things along the gastrointestinal track. In doing so, this helps to prevent constipation. If you don’t consume enough water, your body – being designed to maintain hydration at any cost – will begin to pull water from your stool, resulting in constipation. If however, you drink lots of water after constipation, you will get relief.

3. Improve Brain Function

One benefit of water that not many people seem to know is that even the slightest level of dehydration can impair several aspects of your brain function. Your hydration status strongly influences your brain’s ability to function effectively. Studies reported that a small amount of fluid loss (1.57%) can increase levels of fatigue and anxiety and even impair memory (British Nutritional Journal of Medicine) .

4. Prevention and Treatment of Headaches

As if the benefits highlighted above were not enough, water also aids in the prevention and treatment of headaches. A study from the Institute of Medicine shows that dehydration triggers headache and migraine in some individuals. Therefore, if you want to reduce your likelihood of being affected by headaches, drink lots of water. It was also discovered that using water helps to reduce the intensity and duration of headaches in some cases.

5. Treatment of Kidney Stones

By now, one might think that the list above is enough to place this valuable liquid on the top of a usefulness chart, but wait a minute –  there is more! Drinking water aids in the treatment and prevention of kidney stones and other potential kidney and urinary issues. These are painful clumps of minerals that are formed in the urinary tract. If you increase the amount of water you drink, more urine will pass through the kidneys and help to dilute the concentration of mineral clumps formed there.

6. Maximum Physical Performance

Another benefit of drinking lots of water is the fact that it maximizes the body’s physical performance. (This is beneficial in your workouts at ECKERCISE!) If your body is not properly hydrated, its physical performance will be impeded. This will eventually cause altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, increased fatigue, and a drained feeling both physically and mentally. Water has also been found to reduce the oxidative stress level that is associated with physical exercise.

7. Prevention of Hangovers

I bet you also never imagined that a simple glass of water before, during and after consuming alcohol may reduce the likelihood of a hangover. Thirst, fatigue, headache and dry mouth are often triggered by hangovers. These symptoms can all be reduced by drinking adequate amounts of water. (While we don’t advocate the consumption of many types of alcohol here at ECKERCISE as part of our wholistic diet plans, we realize it is unavoidable for some.)

8. Aid in Weight Loss

Drinking large amounts of water can help you lose weight. Research from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism shows that when adequate water is being consumed, metabolism is increased by 24- 30%. However, the time at which you consume water is also very critical. It is most effective to drink water at least half an hour before eating. Water will not only make you feel full so you do not have to eat as much, but consuming water before eating prepares the digestive tract for proper digestion of food.

I hope by now you are strongly considering drinking more water. Instead of opting for a juice or soda with your meal or smack, think about choosing a glass of water. Easy ways to increase your water intake are to always keep a bottle of water in your car, your desk, and your bag – remember stainless steel is best! Happy (water) drinking!