As the old saying goes, we are what we eat. But what we drink is just as important. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water daily is vital to our overall health and well-being. In our most recent blog, Indiana American Water discusses how much water people should drink each day and the benefits of drinking water.
How Much Water Should You Drink Daily?
Like food, how much water an individual should drink each day depends on a variety of factors including age, body weight, sex, medical conditions, activity level, and the climate they live in. However, as a general guideline, it’s recommended that adults drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses (or 2 liters) of water each day. It’s important to note that this is just a general estimate, and may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s important to note that not all fluid intake comes from water specifically. Certain water-rich foods and drinks can contribute to adequate hydration, including fruits, vegetables, coffee, juice, and milk. It’s recommended to limit your intake of sugary and caffeinated beverages such as soda and energy drinks, which can actually have a negative effect on hydration and overall health. Sticking with water is the best way to stay hydrated, especially during the summer when there’s a higher risk of dehydration.
The Benefits of Drinking Water
According to many experts, drinking the recommended amount of water each day can have numerous health benefits, including:
Hydration
Staying hydrated is critical to our overall health, as it helps regulate body temperature, prevents infections, lubricates joints, delivers key nutrients to cells and keeps organs functioning properly. Dehydration can lead to health issues and sickness, including headaches, lightheadedness, dry mouth and eyes, and constipation.
Digestion
The recommended amount of water intake every day helps your digestive system function properly. It promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Weight Management
Water can help with weight management and weight loss by making you feel fuller. This can help reduce calorie intake and boost metabolism to lower body weight.
Kidney Function
Efficient water intake is crucial for proper kidney function. When properly hydrated, kidneys perform better by removing metabolic wastes from your body in the form of urine. Drinking enough fluids can also prevent chronic kidney disease, kidney stones and other kidney-related health issues.
Brain Function
Staying hydrated can also improve cognitive function, concentration and overall mood.
Skin Health
Increasing your daily fluid intake can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and promote overall skin health.
Increased Energy Levels
Mild dehydration caused by inadequate water intake can lead to tiredness, fatigue, and overall low energy levels. Staying hydrated helps keep our muscles energized and keeps us more alert.
Indiana American Water Is Committed to High-Quality Drinking Water
For optimal health, it’s important to drink enough water each day. At Indiana American Water, we take great pride and hold ourselves to high standards in delivering clean, safe and affordable drinking water to all of our customers in Indiana. We consistently score among the highest of all water companies in complying with strict federal regulations. Click here to see the water quality reports in your area.