Drinking more water seems like such a simple concept, but for many, it's a challenge. During the cold of winter, many of us tend to be less active, and not as aware of the need to drink water. Drinking water should be a priority all year, including winter. Don’t wait until you are thirsty; practice drinking water throughout the day for optimal health.
Understanding the benefits of drinking adequate water can be all the motivation you need to up your daily intake. Check out these amazing benefits of drinking water.
Boosts Skin Health: Your skin is the largest organ and needs hydration to function and flush out impurities. Drinking adequate water can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the clarity of your skin. Hydrated skin has more elasticity, and can help promote a youthful glow from the inside out.
Removes Toxins: Water removes toxins from the body through three processes - perspiration, urination, and defecation, which are essential for optimal health and wellness. Without sufficient water intake, stool cannot freely pass through the colon and be excreted. Your kidney function relies on water to carry out the filtering process. Water transports essential nutrients throughout the body to maintain good health. Recent studies show that proper water intake can relieve constipation, and kidney stones, and improve migraines.
Lubricates Joints: Synovial fluid, the lubricant that surrounds your joints, is made up primarily of water. This fluid allows joints to move freely without friction, acting as a gel-like lubricant or cushion to protect your joints. Dehydration can contribute to joint pain. All the tissues in your body require hydration to function optimally, including your joints.
Boosts Brain Function and Energy: The brain depends on water to function properly and maximize performance. Recent studies show that dehydration can contribute to mood, memory, and brain performance. Proper hydration levels can even improve the frequency of headaches.1
Your body depends on hydration for optimal health, keeping your immune system strong. Water is essential for regulating your body temperature, transporting nutrients, and protecting your organs.²
During the winter months, consider these simple wellness tips:
- Begin your day by drinking a large glass of water
- Drink a glass of water before each meal
- Sip on water throughout the day- don’t wait until you are thirsty
- Enjoy hot tea or lemon water
- Eat fruits and vegetables
- Swap sugar-laden drinks with water
- Add some citrus fruit, cucumber, or berries to flavor your water
Your body naturally loses moisture each day, and a lack of replenishing water in your body can contribute to dehydration. Drinking water is one of the best actions to nourish your body and feel great.
Learn more about improving your wellness this winter with one of our nutrition experts at IBJI. Our dedicated wellness team is here to help you implement some lifestyle changes so you can live your healthiest life. Let us help you reach your health and wellness goals. To learn more, or schedule an appointment, visit our Ortho Health program.
About the Author
William Mosenthal, MD is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with extensive training in specialized back, neck, and spine care at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute.
Illinois Bone & Joint Institute’s board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons can empower you to make a well-informed decision about your treatment, especially when considering a major spinal surgery. Our experienced team of spine specialists offer minimally invasive procedures using cutting-edge technology in imaging, disc replacement, motion preservation, spinal stabilization and reconstruction to help you achieve the best quality of life possible.
1 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-water#7.-Can-aid-weight-loss
2 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-percentage-of-the-human-body-is-water ;