What are the benefits of water? There are a lot of claimed benefits of drinking water, but are they really that big a deal? Well as a former big time soda addict, let me share some of the changes I’ve personally noticed in my own body and health since giving up the soda and switching to water.
The Benefits of Water:
Healthier, younger looking skin: This is my favorite among the benefits of water. Now that I drink water regularly, my heels are not as dry and they don’t crack anymore. My nails and the cuticles around them are healthier too. The skin on my hands is soft again and less wrinkled, and I have noticed fewer to no breakouts on my face.
More energy: This is definitely true, especially during exercise. If I’m dehydrated, I feel more tired and sluggish. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day (be sure to sip not gulp) prehydrates my body, so when I work out, my body is ready and not dying of thirst 10 minutes into it.
Plus, this one is strange and I have no explanation for it, but I just feel lighter and cleaner when I drink water… must be just a mental mystique thing there. 
Still, that’s among the benefits of water.
Revving up the metabolism: I can’t say I’ve noticed any physical changes in regards to this one, but in its defense how am I to know what my metabolism is doing really. My body does work more efficiently well hydrated, so it makes sense that my metabolism may be working more efficiently too. As I said before, I do have more energy… I also read that if you drink ice cold water, your body has to work to heat it up, thus burning calories while ingesting none – sounds reasonable to me. Consequently, I list this one as a true benefit.
Helps buff and tough muscle: I haven’t noticed any of my muscles growing, but I’m not focused on body building. Randy strength trains though, and staying hydrated gives him more energy to lift. Consider, too, that a well hydrated body should be able to build muscle tissue more efficiently.
One benefit I have experienced since drinking more water is that I no longer have muscle cramps in my legs. I use to wake up with some terrible cramped up calves in the middle of the night – not anymore. I think my muscles are much happier hydrated with H2O.
Good working digestive pipes: This is a definite plus due to water! I won’t gross you out with my previous non-working issues, but I will tell you all the good things that have happened since. Most importantly, I can “go” regularly. And, when your body can ingest, digest, and move stuff out on a regular basis, a lot of the garbage you didn’t know you were storing moves out with the constant out flow, resulting in cleaner “pipes”. Because my digestion process is in an easy working type order, the evacuation zone is much happier too. ooOOook, enough on this subject…. I’m sure you get it. 
A true weight loss aid: Another favorite among the benefits of water. Yes, yes, yes! If you have more energy, get more from your workouts, and can better eliminate the food you eat, how could this not help you lose weight? Also consider, the body can hold quite a few pounds in… um well, undigested stuck food – gross again I know. Just think energize, burn, and work it out! You’ll be feeling great! My belly is so thankful and less bloated…
Which leads me to relief from boating and water retention: To me, it has always seemed funny that I should have to drink more water to eliminate water, but it’s true. The water you drink helps to flush out toxins and other reasons for your body to retain fluid… My feet use to swell up something awful, especially after working out sometimes. Drinking water has definitely helped me reduce water retention, and my feet are much happier too.
A natural appetite suppressant: If I’m dehydrated, I sometimes feel hungry. But, I wouldn’t say that drinking a glass of water erases my hunger pains. If my stomach is growling, water doesn’t tame it. But, drinking water with my meals does help me feel fuller, and I eat less. Therefore, I think it really helps when it comes to portion control and pigging out… I use to pig out A-LOT.
A body’s best natural body lube: Absolutely, 100% positively soooo true! My body functions much more efficiently when I’m hydrated.
Lastly, what I like so much about water – It’s cheap! Randy and I bought a water purifier for the kitchen faucet and everyone has their own Klean Kanteen (the little kids have Teenie Weenie Greenie’s – these are cute!). The Kanteens are easy to keep clean and are better for the environment. And boy can they handle abuse! You can see in the picture that Randy’s stands crooked and the kids’ are dented and all scratched up (they take them to school and use them during PE, so you can imagine). Our Kanteens are well into their 3rd year and still going strong!
If you’re not a fan of water, I hope this helps to change your mind. There are so many benefits to drinking H2O, plus now there are so many things to flavor up your water! I honestly can say, too, that drinking water helped me to kick my bad soda habit. I think the soda actually left me thirsty, but after drinking water I just wasn’t thirsty anymore.
If it isn’t already, make water your favorite drink… Why do you think Aquaman is so hot?
Amy
P.S. I call it pop, but Randy says I have to write soda, lol! My Wisconsin roots are still strong…
What are the benefits of water? – How much do you need?
The next question after “What are the benefits of water?” is “How much water should I drink?”. Well, not as much as you might think. You just need to drink when you’re thirsty and just replace soda with water! It’s interesting to know where the 8 glasses per day myth came from though.
