We hear it time and again, water is the nectar of life. Since it’s free, and we are “supposed” to consume water, it tends to be something we take for granted.
I’m not thirsty
It makes me have to go pee
I’m too busy
Sound familiar? Truth is, water isn’t just a drink. It’s something nearly every system in our body needs. Depending on body composition, we’re made up of roughly 50 to 70% water. Our brain, heart, muscles, and lungs all rely on it every minute of every day.
Water is the glue that holds us together. It’s the blood flowing through our veins. It’s the lubricant that keeps our joints moving smoothly. It’s the delivery system that carries oxygen and nutrients where they need to go.
How Much Water Do We Need???
For years, we were told to aim for about eight 8-ounce glasses (roughly 64 ounces) a day. Today, experts recognize that there isn’t one magic number that fits everyone. How much water we need depends on our body, our activity level, the weather, and how much we sweat.
If you’re someone who tends to buck the system…It’s your loss.
I took a deep dive into water’s magical powers, and was reminded just how extraordinary this simple habit really is.
8 Reasons Water Is So Vital to Our Health
1. It regulates body temperature.
Water helps carry heat away from our body’s core and cools us through sweat – especially important during hot weather and exercise.
2. It cushions and protects our body.
Water helps protect our brain, spinal cord, joints, and other vital organs from everyday wear and tear.
3. It carries nutrients and oxygen.
Every cell in our body depends on water to transport nutrients and oxygen where they’re needed most.
4. It removes waste.
Water helps our kidneys, digestive system, and skin efficiently remove waste products through urine, sweat, and bowel movements.
5. It keeps tissues healthy.
From your eyes and mouth to your muscles and connective tissues, water helps prevent dryness and keeps everything functioning comfortably.
6. It improves exercise performance and recovery.
Even mild dehydration can make a workout feel harder than it should. Staying hydrated helps our heart pump efficiently, supports endurance, regulates body temperature, and helps us recover after sweating it out in class.
7. It keeps our brain sharp.
Your brain is about 75% water. Even mild dehydration can affect concentration, mood, reaction time, and mental clarity. Staying hydrated helps us think more clearly, learn choreography more easily, and stay mentally engaged.
8. Our skin drinks it, too!
Healthy skin starts from the inside out. Our skin is about 64% water, and every skin cell depends on hydration to function at its best.
- Reduce puffiness by flushing out excess salt.
- Boost circulation, giving you that natural glow
- Support collagen production for firmer, smoother skin!
This is especially important when we’re exercising and sweating. As we lose water through sweat, our skin can become drier if we don’t replenish those fluids.
Moisturizer works from the outside. Water works from the inside.
The easiest hydration habit we can build? Drinking a big glass of water first thing in the morning.Here’s why:
Before coffee. Before checking your phone. Before the day starts pulling you in into 10 different directions, drinking a big glass of water is a wonderful way to support our body and kick off the day. After seven hours without fluids, our body is thirsty!
You can eat your water, too!
Hydration isn’t just about what we drink. Fruits and veggies like cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes, and strawberries are loaded with water and help keep your body hydrated from the inside out.
Cheer’s to another week of moving well, eating well, drinking plenty of water.
The greatest wealth is health! 💚💜💙
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