Before we get into the healthy changes that your body can go through when you begin drinking enough water, let’s put first things first: how much water is considered enough, anyway?
According to Cleveland Clinic, to find the answer, just ask your own body. The world-renowned hospital’s website explains that each of us has our own needs based on our weight, activity level, diet and medications — and we’re also affected by things like the temperature outside and how much we sweat. But you can gauge how all these factors are coming together and affecting your hydration levels by taking a look at the color of your urine.
If you’re hydrated, it should be a light lemonade color – but not necessarily clear. Keep in mind that while darker urine could be a sign that you need to up your water intake, it could also be caused by certain medications you’re taking or food you’re eating.
Want a straightforward rule-of-thumb for water consumption? The Cleveland Clinic states that the standard number to aim for is 64-ounces a day.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Enough Water?
If you’re looking for some inspiration to drink more water every day, Cleveland Clinic has you covered. According to the site, the health benefits of upping your water intake can include:
Promotes Better-Lubricated Joints
Plenty of water lubricates your joints by hydrating the padding between your joints. This makes it easier for you to move around and stay active! As explained by Cleveland Clinic, look at water like WD-40 for your joints.
Helps Your Organs and Cells Work Properly
Your body is made up of mostly water, so it only makes sense that plenty of it is needed to keep it running smoothly, even on the cellular level. That means that drinking enough water will help facilitate hair growth, wound healing, hormone balancing, organ function — you name it!
Helps With Digestion
Keeping hydrated better allows you to rid your body of solid waste. In a word, it helps keep you regular.
Boosts Your Energy
Being dehydrated can zap your energy – and even make you nauseous! The Cleveland Clinic suggests you drink a big glass of water as soon as you wake up. It helps blood and oxygen “flow more freely to your organs, making you feel more alert and energized.”
Regulates Your Body Temperature
Water helps your internal body temperature adjust to the temperature of your environment. When you are overheated, your body sweats out the water you’ve consumed to cool you off!
Improves Skin
Not only is your skin an organ, it’s your body’s largest. It is constantly exposed to toxins, which can be flushed out of your system with water. If you notice your skin is oily, it might be because you don’t drink enough fluids and your skin is overcompensating to try to flush out the toxins itself.
Curbs Cravings
Did you know that you might confuse feelings of hunger with feelings of thirst? Cleveland Clinic recommends that if you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water and waiting a few minutes. If water is really what the body was craving, the feeling of hunger might pass! The site also states that water can regulate your hunger and thirst cues throughout the day, “helping you make smarter, healthier food choices.”
For more on hydration, visit www.ClevelandClinic.com.
