Most people hear quite frequently that they should drink more water. However, that advice doesn’t always come with a reason why and it’s always easier to reach a goal when there’s a purpose behind it.
In truth, there is an endless list of reasons that you should drink more water. One of these reasons is the effect that hydration has on your metabolic system and what that means for your body.
Water and the Body
Humans are made up of about 60% water, so we need a lot of it to survive. The reason that we need so much water is because it’s used in every process that the body goes through. From using your muscles to digesting food and even thinking, your body goes through a lot of water on a regular basis. Staying hydrated is essential to ensure that these processes stay running smoothly and, in the long run, for the very survival of the human body.
Related reading: Detox Water Recipes for Everyday Drinking
How Does Dehydration Affect Metabolism?
Just like any other bodily process, a lack of water in the body slows down metabolism. To understand what this means, it’s important to understand exactly how metabolism works.
When you intake calories, your body – ideally – turns those calories into energy. When you’re hydrated and active, this process works smoothly and your body easily converts this fuel into energy for you to use.
Unfortunately, factors such as dehydration slow this process down. If you don’t drink enough water, this system slows down and instead of being converted into energy calories are stored in the body as fat to be burned for later use.
Related reading: The Health Benefits of Drinking Infused Water
Your Metabolism Works Faster When You Exercise
Another major factor that plays into the speed of one’s metabolism is exercise. While you don’t necessarily have to put in as much dedication as a professional athlete, you can help speed your metabolism by starting a regular workout routine even if this is an hour or two at the gym or a run in the morning.
Remember, though, if you are working out, your body is going to need more water. You might not see the results you’re looking for if you drink the same amount of water you need during a day at the office on a day that you add some time at the gym to your routine.
A Note On Metabolism
It’s important to note that metabolic rates in people aren’t stagnant. In other words, you shouldn’t necessarily expect the same results as your friend if you both have the same water intake and workout routine.
There are plenty of body types out there and some people have a naturally faster or slower metabolism. Sometimes, outside factors can also play into the rate of your metabolism as well. For instance, certain medications or conditions can affect your metabolism.
How Much Water Should You Drink a Day?
Knowing all of this and more, it’s easy to see how important it is to stay hydrated. However, it can be challenging if you aren’t sure how much water you need to drink every day.
Most people use a simple rule of thumb that eight glasses a day is good for everyone. Yet, different body types call for different needs. A general estimate is that most men need about 15.5 cups or 3.7 liters of water a day while women need about 11.5 cups or 2.7 liters every day.
This might seem intimidating but this isn’t just water that you drink throughout the day. About 20% of your water intake comes from the foods you eat while 80% should be consumed directly.
The amount of water you need can depend on other factors as well. If you’re exerting yourself a lot, for example, you’ll need to drink more water. This is also true if you’re sick or spending time in hot or humid weather.
Related reading: How much Water should you drink in Summer to stay Healthy and Hydrated
Water Quality Matters
It’s also worth discussing the subject of water quality when talking about how much water you should drink and what it does for your body. Water with a lot of impurities and contaminants isn’t as good for you as water that’s pure and free of most additives.
For your research into how to make sure the water you’re drinking is safe and pure, you’ll want to keep an eye out for high-quality water softeners and purifiers. These will help filter out the chemicals and additives that are commonly found in tap water and give you the quality that people often associate with bottled water without the expense or the waste.
Overall, you’ll want to make sure that you drink your daily recommended amount of water to stave off dehydration and keep your body in top shape. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re drinking clean, high-quality water for the best results.
Author Bio: Buddy Murphy is someone who enjoys meditation, healthy life, and hiking. He owns three websites, and one of them is https://watersofteners.reviews . Besides traveling and writing, informing people about healthy habits is his biggest passion.
