In this day and age, our bodies are put through a great deal of pressure and stress. Juggling between personal, professional, and family duties is certainly no easy task. As a result, we forget one of the most vital reflexes to keep ourselves in good health, namely, drinking water.

Water is the foundation of all life on Earth. In fact, it makes up 60 to 70% of the human body — with such a figure, it’s fair to assume that skipping on it can have grave consequences. Aside from keeping our organs healthy and operating well, turning to water therapy can impact our lives in very positive ways.

In that spirit, we’ve put together a useful guide to enlighten you on everything there is to know about consuming water efficiently and responsibly.

The Benefits of Drinking Water

For starters, it’s no secret that keeping hydrated has greater beneficial effects on the human organism. Among the most essential functions, water helps:

  • Distribute oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
  • Produce saliva, mucus, and blood cells
  • Lubricate the joints
  • Facilitate digestion
  • Regulate blood pressure and keep body temperature in check

Drinking water regularly and in sufficient quantity also promotes healthy skin and assists with weight loss. Likewise, water consumption helps flush toxins in the form of sweat and urine. It’s also a natural mood enhancer and athletic performance booster.

How Much Should You Drink?

In truth, there is no ideal amount for keeping a healthy body. This amount varies from one person to the other depending on factors such as age, weight, BMI, and activity levels. That said, a popular rule suggests you consume an 8-ounce glass 8 times per day, which equates to roughly 1.5 to 2L daily.

Also, important to consider is the quality of the water itself. In fact, consuming untreated or poorly filtered water from the tap at home can prevent you from reaping its full benefits. As such, invest in a filtration system to ensure the cleanest and freshest water at every sip; you can visit the BOS site for a detailed review of different reverse osmosis systems. These purifiers work to remove contaminants and other substances from municipal water supplies, such as chlorine, which can alter its taste and deteriorate overall quality.

Similarly, consuming fruits and vegetables can be a great source of hydration seeing as they’re mostly made of water and less in calories. For your reference, lettuce, cucumber, celery, tomatoes, and asparagus have water contents well above 90%. Make salads your new best friend!

Drinking Water the Right Way

Aside from quantity and quality, there are some elemental principles when it comes to consuming water properly. It is even believed that drinking in a particular way can prevent a great number of diseases. Notably, traditional Eastern medicine explains that the ideal time to drink water is in the morning, on an empty stomach. It should be done in a seated position, sip by sip, to promote digestion and regulate PH levels. Also, consuming water quickly or during meals can cause high acidic levels and pave the way for certain diseases. Generally, it’s best to drink a full glass 1 hour before and after meals.

Body Responses to Lack of Water

Technically, dehydration occurs when water loss (sweating, urinating) exceeds fluid intake. Among the immediate effects of dehydration, a person will start to feel de-energized and tired. Thirst is the primal indicator of when the body needs to be replenished with water. Other dangerous effects can include:

  • Impaired vision, mental clarity, and memory
  • A spike in cortisol levels, causing irritability and anxious moods
  • Skin dryness and flakiness
  • Kidney functions, which regulate fluid intake, are affected
  • Organ functions, including the brain, slow down

As such, it’s imperative to never wait for when the thirst kicks in. Failing to consume water repeatedly or insufficient amounts can result in a variety of conditions, affecting anything from digestion to the respiratory system.

All things considered; the importance of water can never be stressed enough. It is perhaps the one thing we take for granted the most. That said, adopting the right consumption habits will help keep your body and its vital functions in check. From boosting the immune system to preventing premature aging and enhancing skin, water truly is the essence of life. With all this said, it’s essential not to go overboard — consuming water in excess can cause bloating and result in a serious condition known as hyponatremia, which prevents the body from absorbing vitamins and nutrients. So, whether you want to fix your habits or if you’re starting a water cleanse, moderation and consistency will help you achieve your goals for a healthier lifestyle.