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What are the Health Benefits of Water?

Sara Schmidt
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,204
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Water, the colorless, tasteless compound that makes up an average of 60% of the human body, is an essential part of a healthy diet. Second only to air, water is the most important need that humans require to survive. The health benefits of water are so numerous and varied that drinking enough water is considered one of the best things a person can do to maintain his or her health.

Some health benefits of water include creating a moist environment for body functions and transporting vital nutrients and oxygen to the body's cells. Without adequate moisture, the ears, throat, and nose tissues can become inflamed, uncomfortable, or develop problems, such as cold and flu complications. Drinking enough water also helps keep the joints lubricated.

Kidney stone development and constipation can be prevented by drinking plenty of water. Other health benefits of water include its ability to dissolve minerals and nutrients for absorption, maintain and regulate the body's temperature, and flush out the body's wastes and toxins. Drinking enough water also helps prevent urinary tract infections and bladder cancer.

Heart health is dependent on sufficient water intake. Among the other health benefits of water, the compound serves as a blood thinner. This prevents the blood from being too thick, allowing it to avoid clotting during transport.

One of the most popular health benefits of water is its role in weight loss and maintenance. Water helps the body metabolize fat. It also serves as an appetite suppressant, as well as a treatment for fluid retention, swelling, and poor muscle tone.

All of the body's systems depend on water for proper function and biochemical reactions. If the body is dehydrated, or low on water, it can result in fatigue, low energy, headaches, thirst, dry mouth, dizziness and other symptoms. Severe dehydration can even cause death.

A healthy body can expel more than six cups of water a day through normal physical functions. These include breathing, urinating, sweating and other actions. This average daily loss of liquid makes it especially important to replenish the body through an adequate intake of water.

Many people attempt to drink a sufficient amount of water by following the popular eight glasses a day rule. However, a person's water needs depend upon many factors, including sex, weight, and average water use. Generally, men are recommended three liters, or 13 cups, of water daily, while women require 2.2 liters, or 9 cups.

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Sara Schmidt
By Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for WiseGeek, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.

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Discussion Comments
By bagley79 — On Jun 10, 2011

I keep a glass of water on my desk at all times, and try to drink it all through the day. I have always read that we should drink plenty of water every day, and have also heard tips about drinking hot water vs drinking cold water.

I remember reading that drinking cold water can help speed up your metabolism so you burn more calories - I have no idea if this is true or not. But I do know that drinking hot water with some lemon in it can be good for you, especially if you are fighting a sore throat.

By myharley — On Jun 09, 2011

I think one of the best health benefits about drinking water is that it helps to keep you feeling full, so you won't eat as much. If you drink a big glass of water before every meal, you will find that you are not as hungry and it helps suppress your appetite.

There are so many health tips that come and go, but it seems that making sure you drink enough water is one that is pretty constant. It makes so much sense because such a large part of our bodies are made up of water, that to keep it hydrated with water would be a very good thing for you.

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for WiseGeek, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.
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