The #1 Surprising Benefit of Drinking Enough Water That No One's Talking About
Woman drinking water to stay hydrated
Virtually everyone knows that you can’t live without water. After all, water makes up more than half of our body weight. Hydration is important for every single cell in our bodies: the brain, gut, liver, kidneys, muscles…None of it works without proper hydration.
But there are the benefits of hydration that are common knowledge and then the sneaky perks of it that fly under the radar. Yes, staying hydrated is important to live. But don’t you want to know what added benefits it provides too? If so, keep reading to see the top benefit of hydration that many people aren’t aware of, according to registered dietitians.
Related: The #1 Sign You Aren't Drinking Enough Water—and How To Tell if You're *Overhydrated*
The #1 Surprising Benefit of Drinking Enough Water, According to Dietitians
Catherine Gervacio, RDN, a registered dietitian and certified exercise nutrition coach at E-Health Project, says that one benefit of being well-hydrated is radiant skin. “This is because water helps flush out toxins while maintaining the skin’s moisture and elasticity,” she explains.
Scientific studies show that staying well-hydrated can make skin look healthier and even younger than it would otherwise. This includes not only drinking enough liquids throughout the day, but also eating foods with a high water content such as melons, oranges, bell peppers, broccoli and celery. Other scientific research shows that not staying well-hydrated can lead to skin looking flaky and dry.
Related: Which Is Better for Hydration: Sports Drinks or Water? Registered Dietitians Share the Truth
Dewy-looking skin is not the only surprising benefit of hydration. Registered dietitian and exercise specialist Kathy LaBella, RDN, ACE-CMES/CPT, says that it can also give you a competitive athletic edge, explaining, “Proper hydration lowers heart rate, increases skin blood flow, lowers our body temperature and improves performance."
If you make hydration a priority, Gervacio says that you will likely find yourself feeling more energized, have improved digestion and even have a boosted immune system. She adds that hydration is also linked with better alertness and cognition. Clearly, there is no shortage of benefits to drinking enough fluids.
Related: Eat your Way to Better Hydration! Try These 7 Fresh and Hydrating Foods
Dietitian-Approved Tips for Staying Hydrated
To stay well-hydrated and reap the benefits highlighted above, Gervacio recommends drinking one to two glasses of water 15 minutes before each meal as well as drinking liquids throughout the day. In general, LaBella says it’s a good idea to aim for between eight and nine glasses of water a day.
“For those who are having a hard time drinking plain water, adding a few slices of lemon, lime or grapefruit can add natural flavors without excess calories, sugar and artificial additives,” Gervacio says. She adds that it can also be helpful to carry a bottle of water around with you or keep it nearby while you’re working so you have easy access to water, explaining, “It can also serve as a visual reminder to take a few sips now and then."
While being well-hydrated is important for everyone, LaBella says that people who live an active lifestyle or work outdoors especially need to be mindful of drinking enough fluids. “Depending on the person and activity, dehydration can affect how we physically function and the ability to think clearly,” she explains, adding that for those who are active and sweat, it is important to consume adequate electrolytes (which are minerals in the blood) and body fluids that include potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium and calcium. “Lack of adequate sodium and chloride can lead to cramping,” she continues.
While most people don’t drink enough water, LaBella says that it is possible to over-hydrate. This, she explains, can cause hyponatremia, or low blood sodium, and can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches, cramps, fatigue and confusion.
But again, most people are prone to not drinking enough water versus overdoing it. “Getting into the habit of hydration takes time and consistency, but it is definitely doable,” Gervacio says, adding that starting from a small increase in water intake daily is better than drastic adjustments. “Don’t wait for signs of thirst and other dehydration symptoms. Make it a habit to drink water to reap benefits from inside the body to outside,” she explains.
By putting this into practice, your entire body will function better and you won’t just feel the benefits, you’ll see them firsthand when you look in the mirror. Drinking plenty of water is a beauty secret anyone can do—and it’s less expensive than any skincare product too.
Next up, find out if it's best to drink water throughout the day or all at once.
Sources
Kathy LaBella, RDN, ACE-CMES/CPT, registered dietitian, nutritionist, ACE-Medical Exercise Specialist, certified personal trainer and owner of Peak Performance, LLC in Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Catherine Gervacio, RND, registered dietitian and certified exercise nutrition coach at E-Health Project
