Here's Why You Should be Staying Hydrated this Summer

Keeping hydrated is crucial for health and well-being, but many people do not consume enough fluids each day. Perhaps it is the abundant nature of water that means drinking enough each day is not at the top of many people’s lists of priorities.

Here are a few reasons why our body needs water:

1. It lubricates the joints Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains around 80 percent water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints’ shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain.

2. It forms saliva and mucus Saliva helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. This prevents friction and damage. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean.

3. It delivers oxygen throughout the body Blood is more than 90 percent water, and blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body.

4. It boosts skin health and beauty With dehydration, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.

5. It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. It is also involved in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.

6. It regulates body temperature Water that is stored in the middle layers of the skin comes to the skin’s surface as sweat when the body heats up. As it evaporates, it cools the body. In sport. Some scientists have suggested that when there is too little water in the body, heat storage increases and the individual is less able to tolerate heat strain. Having a lot of water in the body may reduce physical strain if heat stress occurs during exercise.

7. The digestive system depends on it The bowel needs water to work properly. Dehydration can lead to digestive problems, constipation, and an overly acidic stomach. This increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers.

8. It flushes body waste Water is needed in the processes of sweating and removal of urine and feces. 9. It makes minerals and nutrients accessible These dissolve in water, which makes it possible for them to reach different parts of the body. 10. It boosts performance during exercise Dehydration during exercise may hinder performance. Some scientists have proposed that consuming more water might enhance performance during strenuous activity. More research is needed to confirm this, but one review found that dehydration reduces performance in activities lasting longer than 30 minutes.

Remember to have fun, be grateful and you'll be on your way to living your most optimal life!