People often overlook the importance of proper hydration. But hydration contributes to numerous critical bodily functions. When we’re dehydrated, we deprive ourselves of the ability to function not only properly, but at our absolute best. Refer to our dehydration guide for more information. For now, we’ll dive into what hydration is and discuss its vast benefits.
What Is Hydration?
In this section, we’ll discuss what hydration is and go over some notable hydration benefits.
Hydration: Definition
The term hydration refers to the process of maintaining an adequate balance of water in the body. Hydration helps replenish the body as it loses fluids through sweating, urination, digestion, and even breathing. Yep, when you breathe during sleep, you lose fluids.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
Let’s make one point loud and clear right from the start.
The concept of proper hydration is a personal journey. There are a variety of factors that determine what the proper hydration amount per individual should be. For example, activity level, how hard you’re breathing, pregnancy, and daily body temperature are a few components that may determine the appropriate amount of water to drink per day.
That said, hydration is a big deal! So big, we have a National Hydration Day to remind everyone to stay properly hydrated.
The Benefits of Proper Hydration
Let’s explore the importance of hydration and how it influences nearly every bodily function, including the brain. In this snapshot below, we’ll examine the core benefits of hydration.
Cell Function
Proper hydration helps protect your cells which allows them to efficiently contribute to vital bodily functions. Chronic cellular dehydration can have long-term health effects, as noted by Jennifer Williams, MPH, a nutrition scientist at Abbot who specializes in the concept of hydration.
To maintain cellular hydration, it’s crucial to maintain a balance of fluids in and out of the cells. It’s also important to note that the body relies on electrolytes to maintain this balance between fluids entering and leaving the cells. Review our electrolyte water guide if you’re unsure about electrolyte water or alkaline water.
Moreover, it’s critical to make sure your water is pure and uncontaminated. Our spring water vs. purified water blog is a great read for deeper information.
In summary, drinking water is essential for promoting healthy cellular function and overall well-being. But you should always seek water that’s collected from sources free of impurities.
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Digestion
Digestion naturally begins after you eat. However, what may not be immediately apparent is how hydration plays a crucial role in this process. Water helps break down food in the digestive system, which, in turn, supports improved nutrient absorption.
As water enters the small intestine, it gets absorbed into the body, benefiting various important body functions beyond digestion. Want to learn more about how the digestive system works in relation to water and hydration? Watch this informative video.
Temperature Regulation
This may be the hottest hydration benefit yet. Yes, pun intended.
Water helps the body regulate temperature by relieving internal heat through sweating. If you’ve exercised intensely or walked outside on a scorching day, you’re familiar with your body’s sweat reaction.
Temperature regulation within your body is a critical function and requires proper hydration. This is also why it’s so important to replace lost fluids after sweating, or even while sweating.
Circulation
Did you know that more than 90% of blood plasma is water? This highlights hydration’s crucial role in circulation.
Dehydration reduces blood volume, forcing your heart to beat faster to compensate and increasing your blood pressure. Proper hydration maintains healthy blood volume, reducing strain on your cardiovascular system and ensuring your cells receive essential nutrients and oxygen.
Joint Lubrication
Adequate hydration helps ensure that joints are well-lubricated. Proper lubrication reduces the risk of joint injuries. When your body doesn’t receive enough hydration, it may not produce enough synovial fluid, which is essential for reducing friction in the joints. This can lead to discomfort and pain, particularly among individuals with pre-existing joint problems.
Toxin Removal
Water helps flush out waste from the body via urine and sweat. These two essential bodily functions instigate a removal of toxins but can only do so if a person is properly hydrated. Toxin removal is one of the more popular reasons people drink water. While there are many products that claim to “detox the body,” simply supplying the body with adequate water is one of the healthiest ways to achieve this.
Cognitive Function
Here’s something to think about: Proper hydration is vital for optimal brain function. Adequate hydration enhances our concentration and memory. So, let’s make sure we never forget to drink our recommended water intake.
There’s science to support this.
A 2023 BMC Medicine research initiative showed that “reduced physiological hydration status was associated with greater reductions in global cognitive function over a 2-year period in older adults with metabolic syndrome and overweight or obesity.”
A 2019 study by Na Zhang, Song M. Du, Jian F. Zhang, and Guan S. Ma investigated the effects of hydration on cognitive performance. Using 12 male college students, the participants were dehydrated for 36 hours and then rehydrated. The findings showed that dehydration had a negative effect on both cognitive performance and mood. The study also said that the brain is 75% water.
Skin Health
Skin and beauty serve as a significant incentive for staying hydrated. And while there are many skin and beauty products on the market, good old water remains a timeless and perhaps the most effective solution. Hydration plays a pivotal role in enhancing overall skin health, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles and dryness.
Dehydrated skin can lead to discomfort, itching, or irritation. Do your skin a favor and make sure you’re getting enough water.
In Conclusion
The benefits of hydration include a range of physiological and psychological functions. Whether you're looking to improve your skin, your cognitive function, or your circulation, proper hydration plays a valuable role.
Establishing good hydration habits, such as having hydration on hand, is an excellent way to help meet your personal hydration needs. Purchase our naturally alkaline spring water at a store near you to experience Eternal Water's purity and natural refreshment, ensuring that hydration is always within reach. Whether you're headed to the gym, taking a walk, or relaxing at home, having water with you will help meet the hydration demands that our bodies and lives place on us.
Your overall health depends on proper hydration. Drinking water is a simple act but a highly impactful one.
