Drink Your Water, Mind Your Business—And Boost Your Health!
Water is essential to life—every system in your body relies on it to function properly. Whether it’s maintaining healthy skin, regulating body temperature, or aiding digestion, staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to support your overall well-being. In this post, we’ll explore the many benefits of water, compare tap, filtered, and bottled water, discuss how much water you should drink daily, and provide tips on how to incorporate more water into your routine.
The Benefits of Water
Water is the foundation of good health. Here’s how it benefits your body:
Hydrates and Energizes: Water is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the body, keeping cells hydrated and energized. Without enough water, you may feel fatigued or experience headaches.
Supports Digestion: Water helps break down food and allows your body to absorb nutrients more effectively. It also softens stools and prevents constipation.
Promotes Skin Health: Staying hydrated improves skin elasticity, giving you a natural glow. Proper hydration can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help combat dryness.
Regulates Body Temperature: Water helps regulate your body temperature, especially during exercise or in hot climates. Sweating is your body’s way of cooling down, and it relies on water to do so efficiently.
Flushes Toxins: Water helps your kidneys filter waste from the bloodstream and flushes out toxins through urine.
Boosts Brain Function: Even mild dehydration can affect concentration, memory, and mood. Staying well-hydrated improves cognitive function and keeps your mind sharp.
Tap vs. Filtered vs. Bottled Water: What’s the Difference?
Not all water sources are the same, so let’s break down the key differences between tap, filtered, and bottled water:
Tap Water: This is water that comes straight from your local municipal system. It’s usually safe to drink in many developed countries due to strict regulation by agencies like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). However, it may contain small amounts of chlorine, lead, or other chemicals, depending on where you live.
Filtered Water: Filtered water is tap water that has been processed through a filtration system to remove impurities, such as chlorine, lead, and heavy metals. Filters can range from simple pitcher filters to more advanced under-sink systems. It’s often a good compromise between safety and convenience.
Bottled Water: Bottled water is pre-packaged and often marketed as being “pure” or from natural sources like springs. While it’s convenient, it may not always be better than tap water. Bottled water is regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), but studies have shown that some brands are essentially just filtered tap water (USDA, 2021). Additionally, plastic bottles contribute to environmental waste, making them a less sustainable choice.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) provides evidence-based recommendations for added fluid intake (water and other beverages):
Men: About 3.0 liters (101 ounces) of fluids per day, which is approximately 12.5 cups of beverages.
Women: About 2.2 liters (74 ounces) of fluids per day, which is roughly 9 cups of beverages.
This added fluid intake does not include the water you get from foods, but it does encompass all liquids such as water, tea, coffee, and other drinks.
It’s important to remember that individual water needs can vary depending on factors such as physical activity, climate, and overall health. For instance, if you exercise regularly or live in a hot climate, you may need more water to stay properly hydrated.
Water is vital for every aspect of your health, from boosting energy levels to supporting digestion.
Are you drinking enough?
By making hydration a priority, you can feel better, think more clearly, and even improve your skin’s appearance.
Are you interested in learning more about how to incorporate more water into your day practically? Check out this week’s “Weekly Dose” newsletter, which comes out every Friday morning for more tips!
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References:
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2021). Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping it Safe.
Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Dietary Reference Intakes for Electrolytes and Water. Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2005.
