The importance of water is one topic that needs no selling point. This cliched elixir of life makes up almost sixty percent of the human body and it is vital for its well being. Even with this knowledge, keeping yourself amply hydrated is more complex than it sounds. How many times have you found yourself not hitting your hydration goals, despite your best intentions?
In our present lifestyle, which thrives on hustle culture, it is not surprising that reaching out for that glass of water may be the last thing on your mind, as you juggle multiple responsibilities. This is where tracking water intake may be of help. Read on, to find out how it can help you stay on top of your hydration game, without the extra effort.
Related Reading: Benefits of Drinking Water in Maintaining Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails.
Benefits of drinking water
From the now outdated ‘eight glasses a day’ to ‘drink when you are thirsty’ there is no universal agreement on the ideal quantity of water you must consume in a day. The National Academy of Medicine suggests drinking around 13 glasses a day for men and 9 glasses for women. What is indisputable though, is that water is crucial for the effective functioning of your body. To perform optimally, you need to consistently hydrate your body throughout the day. Here are some benefits of ensuring you hydrate yourself consistently.
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Ensures steady oxygen supply
Your blood is made of almost ninety percent water and staying hydrated ensures that it carries oxygen to different parts of your body effectively, ensuring optimum functioning of your body parts.
Ensures joints are lubricated
Your joints and the disks of your spine contain cartilage, which is made up of eighty percent water. When you are dehydrated consistently, it may affect the ability of the cartilage to absorb shock, which translates to joint pain.
Ensures formation of saliva and mucus
Other than helping your body digest food, saliva also helps to keep your mouth, nose, and eyes moist, thus preventing damage from friction. Drinking enough water instead of sugary drinks also helps keep your mouth clean and prevents cavities.
Ensures temperature regulation
The heat-transferring capacity of water makes it ideal for your body to use it to regulate temperature. Water, which absorbs a lot of heat before its temperature rises, is your best bet to act as a protection against sudden temperature changes. When your body heats up, water stored in the middle layers of the skin comes up to the surface as sweat and as it evaporates from the surface of the skin, your body cools down.
Ensures proper digestion
Your bowels depend on water to ensure proper digestion. From constipation and heartburn to an overly acidic stomach and ulcers, dehydration can wreak havoc with your digestive system.
Ensures kidney health
The fluid in your body is regulated by your kidneys. They ensure cleansing and getting rid of toxins if there is enough fluid intake. If your water intake is chronically low, it can even lead to the risk of kidney stones.
Ensures proper bowel movements
When water levels are low in your body, the colon pulls out water from the stools resulting in constipation. Adequate hydration along with proper dietary fiber are crucial for proper bowel movements.
Related Reading: 10 Benefits of Drinking Purified Water
Five advantages of tracking water intake for your wellness
Getting enough water into your system may be a challenge when you are juggling multiple responsibilities throughout the day. By the time thirst hits you and you reach out for that glass of water, the damage will have been done; you may be already mildly dehydrated. This may show up as a headache, irritability, or even the infamous afternoon slump.
So how do you make space in your already burgeoning to-do list, to drink water? Don’t sweat it. We have got you covered. A water consumption tracker may be the solution to all your hydration woes. Here are some of the benefits of tracking water intake.
Increases your energy levels
Your brain needs an ample supply of fluids to function efficiently. The key difference between drinking water whenever you remember and tracking water consumption, lies in the consistency. When you ensure a consistent supply of water at regular intervals, your body will respond accordingly and you will be surprised to see renewed energy levels, the ability to focus more, and fewer afternoon slumps. All in all, the perfect recipe for a productive day.
Aids in weight loss
One of the best benefits of tracking water intake is that it supports your weight loss goals. Consistent hydration suppresses your hunger pangs, and you are less likely to reach out for the sugary pastry or salty chips. A regulated water drinking schedule also helps to put your metabolism in place, which will aid in your weight loss.
Reduced headaches
If you suffer from migraines or even a common post-afternoon headache, you know how badly it can hamper your schedule. The most common reason for a headache is surprisingly, dehydration and unregulated water intake. Ensuring a steady supply of water for your body may reduce your headache episodes considerably, thus upping your productivity levels. The icing on the cake is that you may also notice that your mood has improved.
Ensures better skin health
Your skin is literally made up of water and water helps it look plumped up. Inadequate water levels will make your skin look tired, and parched, and accentuate wrinkles. Collagen, the holy grail of protein, that is responsible for your skin’s elasticity and firmness, needs water to function effectively. Water also helps you tackle acne better, as it helps balance out oil and water on the surface of your skin.
Helps maintain healthy hair
Tracking your water intake is a secret weapon for luscious locks. Hydration is the key to vibrant, healthy hair. Water nourishes hair follicles, promoting growth and strength. When you monitor your water consumption, you ensure your body has the essential moisture needed for glossy strands. Dehydration can lead to brittle, dull hair, and tracking your water intake helps you hit that daily goal.
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Conclusion
Tracking water intake is your best bet to ensure that you give your body all the resources it needs to put its best foot forward. From ensuring your body’s health to improving your mood, productivity, and appearance, this simple habit is a very powerful tool to help you in your daily life. The best ways to track water intake would be to invest in a water bottle tracker, which has visual markers by the hour, or to download a tracker app and let your phone or watch remind you to drink up. Whatever your method, this will go a long way in helping you live your best life.
