May 14, 2022
By Ella Tozduman
Webmaster
Some people may look at a glass of water and see a boring, tasteless drink, but I see precious ounces of benefits.
The human body is made up of 60% water. Water makes up 90% of our blood plasma and 75% of our brain, and it has many purposes that are essential to running our body. This includes, but is not limited to, regulating our body temperature, flushing out waste, creating saliva and being a nutrient to all the cells in the body.
Drinking water is also vital in the digestion of food. Water aids in breaking down food so that the minerals, nutrients and vitamins can be transported through and then absorbed by the body. Water takes nutrients to your organs, and it is used by your kidneys to flush out toxins. Without proper hydration, the digestive process could be harder for your body, leaving you feeling bloated and constipated.
Since water can eliminate toxins and bacteria from your body, it can boost your immune system. This can fight off diseases and prevent infections. Water can even flush out toxins that are responsible for clogging your pores and causing acne. Therefore, the hydration that water brings to your body will lower your chances of suffering from scars and wrinkles.
You can experience the benefits of water mentally and physically. When you are dehydrated, your dopamine and serotonin balances can change, and that can cause you to become more anxious or even depressed. Therefore, drinking water can serve as a mood booster.
Since water can eliminate toxins and bacteria from your body, it can boost your immune system.
Effects of dehydration can include headaches, tiredness and fatigue. The lack of water can cause the muscles in your brain to tighten and cause pressure, which is what leads to headaches. Dehydration also lowers the amount of blood flow to the brain. It causes the body to work harder, which makes a person more tired, whereas, drinking more water improves one’s alertness and energy.
When working out, hydration is vital for preventing cramps, replacing lost fluids and keeping a positive mindset, which allows athletes to perform at their peak.
The amount of water a person should drink per day varies based on weight, gender and level of activity. However, generally, a good goal to have is to have eight glasses of water each day.
Plain water is not the only way to stay hydrated. When striving to stay hydrated, consider adding cucumbers, lettuce, milk, strawberries, tomatoes and watermelon into your diet. At least 90% of these foods are made up of water.
The end of the school year can get busy, but that should not stop you from paying attention to your water intake. The next time you feel fatigued, notice a headache coming on or are just in need of an energy boost, make sure to reach for that glass of water and feel its positive effects.
