Water Protects Your Tissues, Spinal Cord, and Joints
Water does more than just quench your thirst and regulate your
body's temperature; it also keeps the tissues in your body moist. You
know how it feels when your eyes, nose, or mouth gets dry? Keeping your
body hydrated helps it retain optimum levels of moisture in these
sensitive areas, as well as in the blood, bones, and the brain. In
addition, water helps protect the spinal cord, and it acts as a
lubricant and cushion for your joints.
Water Helps Your Body Remove Waste
Adequate water intake enables your body to excrete waste through
perspiration, urination, and defecation. The kidneys and liver use it to
help flush out waste, as do your intestines. Water can also keep you
from getting constipated by softening your stools and helping move the
food you've eaten through your intestinal tract. However, it should be
noted that there is no evidence to prove that increasing your fluid
intake will cure constipation.
Water Aids in Digestion
Digestion starts with saliva, the basis of which is water.
Digestion relies on enzymes that are found in saliva to help break down
food and liquid and to dissolve minerals and other nutrients. Proper
digestion makes minerals and nutrients more accessible to the body.
Water is also necessary to help you digest soluble fiber. With the help
of water, this fiber dissolves easily and benefits your bowel health by
making well-formed, soft stools that are easy to pass.
Water Prevents You From Becoming Dehydrated
Your body loses fluids when you engage in vigorous exercise, sweat
in high heat, or come down with a fever or contract an illness that
causes vomiting or diarrhea. If you're losing fluids for any of these
reasons, it's important to increase your fluid intake so that you can
restore your body's natural hydration levels. Your doctor may also
recommend that you drink more fluids to help treat other health
conditions, like bladder infections and urinary tract stones. If you're
pregnant or nursing, you may want to consult with your physician about
your fluid intake because your body will be using more fluids than
usual, especially if you're
breastfeeding.
How Much Water Do You Need?
Some recent research suggests that increased amounts of water —
such as the recommended eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day — may not
have as many health benefits as experts previously believed. Most people
who are in good physical health get enough fluids by drinking water and
other beverages when they're thirsty, and also by drinking a beverage
with each of their meals, according to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. If you're not sure about your hydration level, look at
your urine. If it's clear, you're in good shape. If it's dark, you're
probably dehydrated.