Water and Wellness: The Surprising Ways That Water Contributes To Health and Wellness.

Chances are, whether it was your family doctor, your nutritionist, your Mom or just some random person you heard or read about on the internet – the whole concept of drinking 8 glasses of water a day for its health benefits has been ingrained into your psyche! But is it healthy? Is drinking water important, and if so – why and how much water should you be drinking? Water and wellness are, in fact, related, and some of you may even find how they are to be surprising!

The real deal about water isn’t so much about drinking a certain prescribed or internet-popular amount, but rather, it’s about drinking the right amount for you. It’s also about drinking water during extremes in weather, while healthy or fighting illness and when you’re exercising or at rest. Water is ALWAYS important, and it is a necessary aid to wellness – those two facts are irrefutable, but the amount of water you should consume? That is subject to some interpretation.

Let’s start with the facts:

• Water, first and foremost, hydrates. Therefore, it also helps fight dehydration.
• Dehydration is a dangerous condition that can lead to various outcomes, including brain fog, mood changes, cause to overheat and may even cause kidney stones.
•  In young children and in seniors, dehydration can happen quite quickly and lead to more severe outcomes; in older adults, even lead to dizziness, fainting and potential injury from associated falls. Children can become lethargic and unresponsive.
• Water helps to regulate your internal body temperature.
• This is particularly important in harsh climates, particularly hot and dry areas and is also a factor in helping to reduce fever and regulate core body temperature.
• Water does great things like helping to lubricate your joints, protect your spinal cord, and helps your body to purge waste through perspiration, urination and bowel movement. It also helps to replenish the body when excessive loose bowels and/or vomiting occur.
• Considering that blood is 90% water, water is vital for transporting oxygen from our lungs to the different parts of the body.
• Water helps us to form saliva and mucus – which are necessary for good oral health and so much more.
• Water also helps with digestion and aids in maintaining and regulating blood pressure.

Yes, but how much should I actually drink?

• Based on the points noted above, it follows that we will need more water when we are sick, during severe heat weather events or when we are physically active and perspire. The amount you need will depend on the amount you are consuming and discharging.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this too will impact the amount of water you should drink, as does your height, weight, age and sex.
• How much water you drink will also depend on the types of foods you eat and what other beverages you consume. Some foods, think fruits and veggies, for example, naturally contain water and will help you to maintain appropriate hydration. Drinking an excess of coffee or alcoholic beverages, however, will act as an agent of dehydration, meaning you’ll need to consume more water to offset their impacts.
• Because water has zero calories, it can also help with weight control efforts but drinking too much water can sometimes lead to a condition known as hyponatremia which can be life-threatening. Yes – you CAN have too much of a good thing.

We’ll leave the final word to the Mayo Clinic – normally considered a fairly reliable source of medical information. They suggest that about 15.5 cups (3.7 litres) of fluids a day for men is considered ideal, while for women, that amount is about 11.5 cups (2.7 litres). Remember, though, and this is important; with so many folks walking around with huge, refillable bottles, you might be drinking more water than you think! The best guide for your personal consumption is that you are drinking enough water when you don’t feel thirsty and when your urine flow is pale yellow.

Now you know. Water is, in fact, tied to your well-being in several ways. Good water, free of impurities, particulates, excess iron or other contaminants, is even better. The team at Watermaker is dedicated to helping your family maintain easy access to clean water that’s good for you, your clothing, hair, skin and even for your appliances, laundry and, bathtub and sink surfaces. Ask us more about water wellness, its surprising benefits and how we can help you benefit from water too.