5 Benefits of Drinking Water

A young man holding a container of water.
Drinking water is key to staying productive and fit. (Image: Photosvit via Dreamstime)

Water is the most essential nutrient for the human body. It accounts for about 60 percent of an adult’s body weight. Dehydration or lack of water can lead to headaches, high blood pressure, obesity, constipation, and other disorders. Drinking water is so easy and can benefit your life and work. This is why doctors often remind people to drink more water!

5 benefits of drinking water

1. Improve productivity

Drinking water throughout the workday will help you stay sharp.
Drinking water throughout the workday will help you stay sharp. (Image: Oksun70 via Dreamstime)

If you often feel low-spirited, groggy, and unproductive, it could be due to a lack of drinking water. The brain is comprised of 90 percent water, and brain cells react poorly when there is insufficient water. When the human body is dehydrated by just 2 percent, it can cause difficulty concentrating and even mood swings. It may lead to poor memory, more fatigue, and increased anxiety. So even if you are not physically active during the day and work in a sedentary environment such as an office, you should still make sure you stay hydrated.

2. Prevent headaches

Dehydration can cause headaches, so drinking water more often can help prevent headaches or unbearable migraines. Water can help clean out inflammatory byproducts and reduce headaches.

3. Prevent urinary tract infections

A lack of water and vegetable fiber usually causes constipation. But there is one thing people may not be aware of: Not drinking enough water can lead to a higher prevalence of urinary tract infections. Water helps flush out inflammatory byproducts, waste, and bacteria through urination. Drinking enough water can also prevent the formation of kidney stones.

4. Relieve hangovers

Metabolizing alcohol requires a large amount of water. Drink a lot of water when you have a hangover and need immediate relief. Hydration can alleviate dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.

Fight a hangover by drinking water.
Fight a hangover by drinking water. (Image: Marcos Calvo Mesa via Dreamstime)

5. Losing weight

If you’re not successful at losing weight, you cannot drink enough water. A moderate water intake before meals increases satiety and can regulate the body’s metabolic function. Water is one of the most essential nutrients when the body metabolizes fat. So pay attention to the amount of water you drink if you are trying to lose weight.

When are the best times to drink water?

  • 6:30 a.m. — The body is low on water after a night’s sleep. Drink a small glass of water after getting up to help with bowel movement.
  • 8:30 a.m. — Mornings at work are usually tense and emotionally charged. Drink a glass of water to relieve stress and prevent dehydration.
  • 11:00 a.m. — Get up and move around after a few work hours. Drink a glass of water to replenish lost moisture.
  • 12:50 p.m. — Drink a glass of water 30 minutes after lunch to enhance your digestive function.
  • 3:00 p.m. — You might feel sleepy around 3:00 p.m. after working or studying. This would be an excellent time to drink a glass of water to refresh the brain.
  • 5:30 p.m. — Drink a glass of water after school or work to replenish lost moisture and relieve hunger while waiting for dinner.

Drink a little water about 30 to 60 minutes before going to bed. This will help break down toxins in your body and can regulate body temperature. Of course, don’t drink too much. Getting up frequently at night will affect sleep quality, negatively impacting your immune system.

Translated by Elaine

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  • David Jirard

    David was born in the Midwestern section of the U.S. during the turbulent sixties. At an early age he took an interest in music and during high school and college played lead guitar for various local bands. After graduating with a B.A. in Psychology, he left the local music scene to work on a road crew installing fiber optic cable on telephone poles in various cities. After having to climb up a rotted pole surrounded by fencing, he turned to the world of I.T. where he now shares laughter with his wife and tends to his beehives in between writing articles on Chinese culture and social issues.

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