Did you know that your body weight is approximately 60 percent water? Your body uses it in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Because your body loses water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, it’s important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water.
The amount you need depends on a variety of factors, including the climate you live in, how physically active you are, and whether you’re experiencing an illness or have any other health problems.
Some specific benefits of water
Drink before and after sleeping
Drinking a glass of water before sleep can dilute the thickness of blood and reduce the risks of angina and heart failure, which tend to occur in the early morning. Drinking in the morning gets rid of waste through sweat and urination, which reduces the risk of kidney stones and UTI’s (urinary tract infections).
Eat water and rice porridge for an upset stomach
A small bowl of water and rice porridge is helpful for an upset stomach. The temperature of the porridge should be at least 140°F (60°C) so that gelatinization can be produced to soothe the stomach and to make digestion easier. The porridge can also lubricate the bowels and move out toxins.
It helps when you have a cold or flu
When you are sick with a cold or flu, your body sweats and you urinate more as your metabolic rate increases. Water in your body is lost faster than normal and you need to take in more to make up for the shortfall. It can also reduce your body temperature and helps to flush out harmful bacteria. Inhaling steam from a humidifier or pot of boiling water can help clear up congestion, while adding salt can also break up all the gunk that makes you stuffy.
It helps to prevent constipation
Water helps to prevent constipation by dissolving fats and soluble fiber. It also reduces the burden on the kidneys and liver by helping to flush waste products. In the large intestine, it binds with fiber to increase the bulk of the stools, reduce transit time, and make elimination easier. When you don’t drink enough, the lining of the intestine pulls it from your stool, increasing your risk of constipation.
It helps to expel harmful substances
Nausea is how the body protects itself when bad food is ingested. Vomiting, while gross, is beneficial as it is your body’s way of eliminating harmful substances in the stomach and gut. If vomiting is difficult, a glass of lightly salted water can be used to stimulate vomiting and to supplement water in the body after vomiting.
It helps to reduce weight
Anyone looking to lose weight could be helped by upping their water intake. Studies have found that when people drink before a meal, they lose weight faster than those who do not. An extra amount helps you eat less by making you feel full, and it may also boost your metabolism.
It helps you get a good night’s rest
Your body temperature plays a big role in getting a good night’s rest. A hot shower or bath before you go to bed raises your body temperature a degree or two. The steep drop in temperature at bedtime is more likely to put you into a deep sleep.
The writer of this story is not a medical professional, and the information that is in this story has been collected from reliable sources — every precaution has been taken to ensure its accuracy. The information provided is for general information purposes only, and should not be substituted for professional health care.
Translation by Audrey Wang
