Why It's So Important to Drink Water

The importance of drinking water can’t be overstated; it’s essential to our survival, and without it, we’d shrivel up and die. But even though we all know how important water is, many of us don’t drink enough of it on a daily basis.

Our bodies are made up of 60% water

our blood, organs, cells and even our bones are comprised of water. Yet we’re often dehydrated without realizing it. Drinking just 1 liter of water a day can help boost your energy levels and keep you focused at work. That’s why it’s so important to drink plenty of water when you’re working long hours, or exercising regularly.

When we don’t drink enough water, we become dehydrated

our cells, especially those in our brains, don’t work as well; we become irritable and more prone to headaches and other symptoms. That’s why it’s important to drink enough water during our waking hours—the Institute of Medicine suggests women consume about 91 ounces (1.7 liters) a day and men 125 ounces (2.7 liters)—and be sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night too.

Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness and headaches

If you’re not getting enough water, your body will start to shut down, and it’ll be hard for you do daily tasks without thinking about how tired or thirsty you are. You may feel dizzy, have a headache or get achy muscles. Drinking enough water can help prevent these symptoms and keep your body running smoothly. There are many reasons why it’s important to drink water every day—your immune system, metabolism and energy levels are all affected by dehydration, too.

Being dehydrated makes us more likely to catch colds and other infections

Dehydration weakens our immune system. If you are only slightly dehydrated, it can make you feel more tired, less mentally sharp and prone to catching colds. Some estimates say that up to 75 percent of North Americans don’t drink enough water. Make sure you are not part of that statistic by getting in at least eight glasses a day or more.

We need enough water to sleep well at night

Not getting enough sleep at night can contribute to weight gain and other health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and depression. That’s because when we’re lacking in sleep, it’s harder for our bodies to control our appetite. Lack of water can also lead to constipation and other uncomfortable symptoms. To get your body back on track and your mind functioning properly again, drink plenty of H2O each day.

Water helps us lose weight by making us feel full faster

Drinking water can help you feel fuller faster. In one study, drinking 17 ounces of water 30 minutes before lunch helped dieters lose an average of nearly three pounds more than dieters who didn’t drink water before lunch. Science behind why: The researchers believe it has something to do with filling up on water, which leaves less room in your stomach for food and also makes you eat slower. Just remember: You don’t have to chug gallons at once!

Dehydration causes people older than 65 years old to be more likely to fall

A study conducted by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has found that people older than 65 years old who are dehydrated are five times more likely to fall than well-hydrated adults. Dehydration is also thought to play a role in older adults’ risk of cardiovascular diseases and kidney disorders. Older adults have a limited thirst sensation, so many of them don’t drink enough fluids—especially in hot weather, when sweat losses can be substantial.