The Importance of Drinking Enough Water

Most people have heard that you should drink at least eight – 8 ounce glasses of water per day, but many still do not know why it is so important. Proper hydration is essential for every function your body performs. If you are even slightly dehydrated your body will function less efficiently. You can live for 30 days or more without food, but you would die in 3 days without water! 

If you do not consistently drink enough water, your body will try to hang on to every drop it can in self-preservation. It will take water from systems in your body that need it to function efficiently, just to store it. Many people who do not drink enough water are actually carrying an extra 5-10 pounds of stored water, which may add an extra 1 – 1.5 inches to your waist! Their body is preparing for a drought that never has to come. 

Your body cannot burn fat unless it has enough water. In fact, it cannot even digest food properly without enough water. Less efficient digestion can lead to increased fat storage, low energy levels, and less calorie burning through activity. The constant state of dehydration (lack of water) that many people are in leads to weak thirst signals that can be mistaken for hunger, leading you to crave food you do not need. Proper hydration has been shown to reduce joint discomfort by re-hydrating cartilage and other joint structures.

You can exercise all you want, eat the best foods in the world, but if you are even slightly dehydrated your body is going to fight you every step of the way. 

Most times, 8 glasses of water per day is not nearly enough. If you drink caffeine, exercise regularly, or have a few pounds to lose, you probably need significantly more water to meet your body’s demands. If you want to lose fat and improve your overall health, the first step you should take is to make sure you are getting enough water.