How can drinking water help you

Drinking water instead of soda can help with weight loss. It was previously thought that caffeinated beverages had diuretic properties, meaning that they cause the body to release water. However, studies show that fluid loss because of caffeinated drinks is minimal. The amount of water needed each day varies from person to person , depending on how active they are, how much they sweat, and so on.

There is no fixed amount of water that must be consumed daily, but there is general agreement on what a healthy fluid intake is. According to the U. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the average recommended daily intake of water from both food and drink is:. This would be around However, around 80 percent of this should come from drinks, including water, and the rest will be from food.

People were more likely to drink less than 4 cups of drinking water daily if they consumed 1 cup or less of fruits or vegetables a day. The study only measured the intake of drinking water. Fluid can be gained from other beverages, but water is best because it is calorie-free, caffeine-free, and alcohol-free. Seven percent of respondents reported drinking no water at all daily, and those who drank a low volume of water also consumed less fruit and vegetables.

This suggests that a certain number of people are risking their health by not getting enough fluid. Even if the respondents reporting low levels of water intake were obtaining enough fluid, it is likely that they would be obtaining it from sources that could potentially compromise their health in other ways.

How much plain water do we really need? Is '8 X 8' a good guideline? Can we drink coffee instead of water? Find out more about how much fluid the body…. Drinking raw water is a relatively new health phenomenon, but are the rumors about its health benefits true, or is it dangerous? Find out here. Water is important for maintaining a healthy temperature, lubricating joints, and enhancing digestion.

Dehydration can be dangerous, and too much…. Drinking too much water can lead to water intoxication, which can be fatal. However, this is rare. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and risk factors…. What is alkaline water and is it safe to drink? Learn if alkaline water may help with differing health conditions or more serious diseases. Fifteen benefits Kidney damage Sources Recommended intake Facts Keeping hydrated is crucial for health and well-being, but many people do not consume enough fluids each day.

Fifteen benefits of drinking water. Share on Pinterest Possible benefits of drinking water range from keeping the kidneys healthy to losing weight. Share on Pinterest Dehydration during exercise may hinder performance. Kidney damage. Share on Pinterest The kidneys play a key role in balancing fluid levels.

Recommended intake. Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you lose more water than you take in. This can lead to dehydration 24 , 25 , Good ways to reduce hangovers are to drink a glass of water between drinks and have at least one big glass of water before going to bed.

Hangovers are partly caused by dehydration, and drinking water can help reduce some of the main symptoms of hangovers. Drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight. Some evidence suggests that increasing water intake can promote weight loss by slightly increasing your metabolism, which can increase the number of calories you burn on a daily basis.

A study in 50 young women with overweight demonstrated that drinking an additional The timing is important too. Drinking water half an hour before meals is the most effective.

It can make you feel more full so that you eat fewer calories 28 , In one study, dieters who drank Make sure that you get enough water each day , whether your personal goal is 64 ounces 1.

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Here are the top 9 ways that watermelon can improve your health. Whether you love mamey fruit or haven't ever tried it, you may wonder whether eating it has health benefits. But staying hydrated is a daily necessity, no matter what the thermometer says. Unfortunately, many of us aren't getting enough to drink, especially older adults. And that could be a problem if they're on a medication that may cause fluid loss, such as a diuretic," says Dr. Julian Seifter, a kidney specialist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Water keeps every system in the body functioning properly. If you don't drink enough water each day, you risk becoming dehydrated. Warning signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, or urine that's dark in color. The daily four-to-six cup rule is for generally healthy people. It's possible to take in too much water if you have certain health conditions, such as thyroid disease or kidney, liver, or heart problems; or if you're taking medications that make you retain water, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , opiate pain medications, and some antidepressants.

How much water a day should you drink if you fit into that category? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Seifter says water intake must be individualized, and you should check with your doctor if you are not sure about the right amount for you. But even a healthy person's water needs will vary, especially if you're losing water through sweat because you're exercising, or because you're outside on a hot day.

If you're wondering how much water you should drink on those occasions, speak with your doctor, but a general rule of thumb for healthy people is to drink two to three cups of water per hour, or more if you're sweating heavily.

It's not just water that keeps you hydrated. All beverages containing water contribute toward your daily needs. And it's a myth that caffeinated beverages or those containing alcohol are dehydrating because they make you urinate. They do, but over the course of the day, the water from these beverages still leads to a net positive contribution to total fluid consumption.

Of course, there are many reasons why water is still the better choice.