Contributed by Bridget Wright, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Water is a critical, necessary resource that the human body needs to survive. Our bodies are made up of at least 80% water, and on average, can only go about three days without consuming it before the body’s organs began shutting down.

We must drink it in order to survive.
We bathe in it, cook with it and even play in it. It is all around us in massive quantities in large bodies of oceans, rivers and lakes, and it falls freely from the sky during climate and seasonal changes. Yet, drinking water for consumption seems to be one of the biggest and most frequently occurring challenges that individuals face daily.

It’s important to know why you should drink water, for health and cosmetic reasons. Here are the top 10 reasons to drink water:

10. Enchanced kidney and elimination functions

The kidneys are where the toxin blood urea nitrogen passes through to be excreted through urine. The kidneys cleanse and rid the body of toxins when fluid intake is adequate. When there is insufficient water, there are episodes of constipation and changes in the color and quality of the urine, which can eventually lead to kidney stones.

9. Quality exercise

When the body is dehydrated, it is harder for it to perform athletic activities, lift weights and perform cardiovascular exercises. You should hydrate the body well by consuming clear water before, during and after exercising.

8. Decreases appetite

Thirst is very often mistaken for hunger, and studies have shown that when water is consumed on a frequent basis, there are decreased hunger and tendencies to overeat. There is a tendency to overeat when the body is dehydrated.

7. Increased energy

Water helps the body’s energy level. When the body’s cells are dehydrated, it can lead to fatigue, dizziness, cloudy thinking and muscle weakness.

6. Cooling mechanism

Water regulates the body’s cooling system far above sports drinks or alternate fluids. Sugary sodas, some sports drinks, alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks actually pull water away from the body. The absence of water can eventually cause dehydration.

5. Body circulatory system

A well-hydrated body will have high concentrations of oxygen in the bloodstream. This is conducive to good circulation, and the more oxygen that the body has circulating through it, it will be able to burn fat more effectively.

4. Proper digestion

For the body to experience proper digestion and to effectively metabolize food nutrients, water consumption is key. Water helps the body to sufficiently absorb nutrients and metabolize carbohydrates and proteins by transporting them into the bloodstream.

3. Eliminates brain fog

Water is a critical player in most every bodily function, especially cell regeneration and elimination. A 2% drop in body water can create multiple problems for the body, including short-term memory, and mental focusing issues.

2. Healthy skin, hair and nails

People aren’t aware that something so simple as consuming water can help take care of any cosmetic issues related to their hair, skin and nails. You can clear up skin issues like acne, blemishes and have healthy-looking, strong hair and nails by drinking water that consistently supplies your regenerative cells with the necessary hydration that they need to survive.

1. Chronic cellular dehydration

This disorder occurs when the body’s cells are not hydrated enough and they are in a vulnerable state making them susceptible to disease and attacks of illnesses. Failure to drink adequate water will also lead to pH imbalances, chemical and nutritional issues that can cause diseases.

Once you develop a lifestyle geared towards drinking water, you’re well on the road to a healthier, more energetic and disease-free lifestyle!