By Kailey Mentink
Water is a vital part of the body. Adult humans are 60 percent water – with our blood being 90 percent water – and water is clearly shown to have an important role in all bodily functions. But despite our need for water, often we neglect to take the time to consume as much of it as our bodies require. Many health problems can be traced to dehydration, and you might be surprised just how much we depend on water.
10 Ways Water Can Benefit Your Health:
1. Preventing headaches. Did you know that many headaches are caused by lack of water? Low fluids can easily start or worsen headaches, and dehydration always makes pain worse.
2. Weight loss. If you drink a large glass of water before heading to the fridge, you are less likely to over-eat (or eat something you shouldn’t) because you are already filled up. And clean, pure water doesn’t have the negative side effects that whatever it is you are craving probably does.
3. Maintaining proper blood pressure. Since blood is 90 percent water, when water is lacking, the blood becomes heavier and is harder for the heart to pump. This makes blood pressure rise.
4. Stimulating digestion. Dehydration can harm the digestive system, causing constipation, digestive problems, and an overly acidic stomach. That increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers!
5. Sustaining healthy skin. Lack of water easily dries the skin out, leading to premature wrinkling or skin disorders.
6. Affecting your mood! There have been various studies that have shown that people feel decreased motivation and increased tension when they are dehydrated. This can also show in fatigue, headaches, and poor focus.
7. Delivering oxygen throughout your body. Again, since that blood is mostly water, having good blood flow affects how well oxygen is spread.
8. Lubricating joints. The cartilage in your joints is made up of 80 percent water. Dehydration leads to dryness, which in turn leads to pain.
9. Improving physical performance. Headed for a workout or preparing to compete in a race? The lubrication and stimulation that water provides your body is guaranteed to improve your physical performance.
10. Clearing airways. Taking meds or even seeking natural alternatives is useless if you are dehydrated. Allergies or asthma are rampant where water is scarce.
If that doesn’t inspire you to run and get yourself a glass of water, I don’t know what will. There is no agreed amount of water an individual should drink every day, but it’s probably more than you usually consume. So go ahead and pour yourself a glass of it. The healing power of water is sure to benefit you.
Our family has learned to slow down, make careful observations of what heals/damages, get rid of the distractions, take a little more time preparing our food, and most importantly to seek the Lord’s wisdom. It’s a daily struggle and it never goes perfectly, but we just keep trying to do the best we can. If you are working toward a more traditional, clean, whole foods diet, and would like to take small steps to get there, then you are at the right place. Week one was get your salt better, and now we are talking about the importance of water. Join us next Tuesday for Get Your . . . Right.