One of the things we can control most about our nutrition is our hydration status. Similar to food, we have direct control over how much water we are consuming. Staying healthy means staying hydrated. Read on to find out more about the benefits of hydration!
Why is Water Important?
Believe it or not, our bodies are composed of about 60% water. As a result, it is vital that we keep ourselves hydrated. We need water to perform daily tasks and essential functions including muscle contractions, sleeping, digesting, and nearly every other function. On average, most people should be consuming a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water daily.
5 Benefits of Staying Hydrated
Cartilage and Joint Health- In physical therapy, one of the most common issues we see involves injuries to major joints in the human body. A joint is simply referring to the connecting surfaces between two bones. A common area of occurrence is the shoulder joint, a connection of your upper arm bone and your shoulder blade. Water helps to lubricate the area around these connections, allowing for adequate fluid in the space and area surrounding the bones. This can help improve or maintain range of motion. As a result, this may assist in reducing soreness, and can be combined with exercises from your trusted physical therapist!
Eliminating Toxins- Toxins, such as alcohol, free radicals, and other harmful substances can linger in the human body. To remove them, the body requires energy to be able to complete functions of waste removal. Water is not only crucial in energy production and the process that contributes to it, but can accelerate the removal process.
Immunity- During the cold and flu season, maintaining proper immune function should be a priority of every individual. This is especially important in the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to have a strong immune system with a chance to fight the spread and infection of the virus. Proper hydration allows for optimal cell functioning, which is crucial in fighting diseases. Water also aids the body in oxygen transport, which is needed in all cells and organs to function. Drink up!
Digestion- Water assists in the digestive system. Similar to joints, water can aid in lubrication of crucial organs of digestion, including the esophagus, the stomach, the small and large intestines, the kidneys and the prostate. This lining allows for less buildup and a smoother and more timely process. Stomach acid also requires water to complete the process of food breakdown and digestion, leading to a more effective waste removal and excretion.
Recovery- We should all know the importance of recovery. While it can seem crucial to be active and exercise, recovery can be just as important. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us are dealing with higher baseline levels of stress. The human body recognizes levels of stress similarly, whether it be physical stress from workouts, or mental and emotional stress from daily life and quarantine, etc. Proper nutrition, including hydration, can play a huge role in preventing overstressed and overtrained states, and assist in recovery. Using water can lead to enhanced recovery processes, keeping your stress levels low and allowing you to stay ready for your next workout.
With everyone looking for solutions to stay healthy this winter during the pandemic, a simple and effective way to start is by staying hydrated. Drink up and enjoy the benefits!
If you have any questions about this post or would like to speak with a physical therapist about an injury, give us a call at (978) 263-0007. We would be happy to answer any questions and discuss possible next steps.
