Thursday Health Thoughts: The Benefits of Drinking Water

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Happy first day of Spring y'all! Last year y'all might remember that I wrote a Smitten Post on SmartWater because I drink SO much water. Somehow though I have never done a "Benefits of Drinking Water" Thursday Health Thoughts so today I wanted to share with y'all ALL of the benefits of drinking water. Those of you that know me know that I only drink water with an occasional bit of juice (for taking certain medicines due to taste). 

So why should you be drinking water? Read on to find out all of these amazing benefits! 

1. Water helps the body function properly. Water helps the body carry nutrients to proper organs, helps with digestion, absorption of proper vitamins and minerals and also helps regulate body temperature! 

2. Are you wanting to look younger naturally and have radiant skin? Water helps the skin stay fresh and helps moisturize it naturally without spending lots of money on expensive creams that may be filled with different toxins. In addition to this drinking water can also help heal dry skin, lessen the look of wrinkles, and help with a variety of skin disorders. 

3. Drinking water helps you increase energy and fight fatigue. If you are not drinking the proper amount of water daily then your energy levels will drop because your muscles do not have the proper amount of liquids to help them function at their best! 

4. Are you a student? Drinking water helps you think more clearly so drink lots of water the day before and the day of tests!

5. Are you looking to lose weight? Drinking water (zero calories!) helps you to "fill up". And guess what? MANY times that you feel hungry you might in fact only be thirsty so grab a glass of water before eating a bunch of junk food!

6. Drinking proper amounts of water might reduce your risk of having a heart attack! A study that was done at Loma Linda University (California) showed that those that drank proper amounts of water were less likely to have a heart attack than those that did not. WOW!

7. Y'all know that I am all about getting rid of toxins and guess what? Water is one of the best and easiest ways to get rid of those toxins! 

8. (Along with number 3) Drinking water Helps your muscles function properly. If you exercise regularly make sure that you are getting enough fluids. The American College of Sports Medicine guidelines states that you should have approximately 17 ounces of fluids before and during physical activity.

9. Drinking water boosts your immune system. 

10. Do you suffer from headaches? Drinking the proper amounts of water can help you prevent headaches. While it is true that there are a number of reasons that you may get headaches the NIH (National Institute of Health) states that dehydration is the number one reason. 

11. Do you have kidney stones? Doctors are now saying that proper amounts of water (along with lemon) can help prevent kidney stones! 

12. Y'all have heard me talk about keeping your PH levels balanced and drinking water is one of the easiest ways to do this! 

13. Looking to save money? Drinking water is cheaper (and healthier) than purchasing other drinks. You can drink water for free or if you prefer you can buy bottled water (which can be purchased cheaply with just a little bit of research). p.s.- did you know that you can take bottled water into most theme parks now? When I was a chaperon for the senior trips to Disney World I would fill my huge purse with at least three or four bottles of water (see the picture below) and happily sip throughout the day instead of paying the $3 or $4 dollars for a small bottle. So definitely keep this in mind if you are traveling! 

14. Drinking proper amounts of water will help your hair be shinier! 

15. Drinking water helps your joints. There is research that is currently being conducted to suggest that drinking proper amounts of water will help prevent arthritis!

Don't love the taste of water only like I do? Try increasing the amount of water that you drink over time and making sure that you drink more water than another drink you love!

Are you interested in reading more "Thursday Health Thoughts: The Benefits of Posts"? Click HERE! Stay tuned next Thursday for more Thursday Health Thoughts!