Bhawna Thakur
North News
Chandigarh, September 16
Starting your day with a glass of water can have significant health benefits. From boosting metabolism to enhancing skin glow, this simple habit can set a positive tone for the entire day. Water constitutes about 75% of an infant’s body weight and 55% in older adults, and it plays a vital role in keeping our cells and bodily functions in check. According to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, here are some key health benefits of staying hydrated:
Physical Performance
Water is crucial for maintaining optimal physical performance, especially for athletes. During intense activities, athletes can lose 6-10% of their body weight through sweat. Dehydration impairs performance by reducing endurance, increasing fatigue, and affecting body temperature regulation. Proper hydration can reverse these effects and reduce oxidative stress from exercise.
Cognitive Function
Hydration is essential for cognitive functions such as concentration, alertness, focus, and short-term memory. While dehydration can impair cognitive abilities, rehydration often alleviates these deficits.
Gastrointestinal Function
Adequate hydration supports digestive health, aiding in nutrient absorption and preventing constipation. However, while increased fluid intake benefits those who are dehydrated, it has minimal impact on those with normal hydration levels.
Kidney Function
The kidneys regulate water balance, blood pressure, and waste removal. Staying hydrated helps maintain effective kidney function, supporting filtration and optimal urine volume.
Heart Function and Hemodynamic Response
Drinking water promotes cardiovascular stability by regulating blood volume and pressure, preventing issues like postural hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing).
Headache Relief
Dehydration can trigger headaches, including migraines. While increased water intake may help relieve these headaches, its effectiveness as a preventative measure remains uncertain.
Skin Health
Though often overstated, hydration helps maintain skin moisture and reduce dryness. However, it has little effect on preventing skin aging beyond basic moisture retention.
Chronic Diseases
Staying hydrated is linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including urolithiasis (kidney stones), urinary tract infections, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.
