13 Ways Your Body Functions Better With Water

You’ve probably heard that up to 60% of our bodies are made up of water. It’s no wonder we can gain a multitude of benefits from drinking water. Here are 13 ways your body will thank you for drinking more water.

Saliva generation

Saliva is mostly made of water and includes electrolytes, mucus and enzymes. It helps break down solid food for digestion and keeps your mouth healthy. As you get older, some medications or illnesses can cause less saliva production. Drinking more water should help, but see your primary doctor if it doesn’t seem to work.

Body temperature regulation

Your body loses water when you sweat. Makes sense, right? And sweating helps cool you down, but if you don’t replenish the water you’re losing, your body temperature goes back up. When dehydrated, your body loses the electrolytes and plasma that are keeping you cool.

Tissue, spinal cord and joint protection

Your body tissue, spinal cord and joints all need to stay lubricated so they move easily when you move. Drinking water helps keep them lubricated so you can move easier and feel less discomfort.

Digestion aid

Drink water before, during and after a meal to help your body break down the food you’re eating — this makes it easier for your body to digest your meals.

Physical performance maximization

Want a successful workout or play a better game? Water can help with that. Hydration affects your strength, power and endurance. So, if you’re not well hydrated during physical activity, your performance will suffer the consequences.

Constipation prevention

If your bowel movements don’t have enough water, the more likely you are to become constipated.

Nutrient absorption

In order to properly benefit from nutrients, your body needs to absorb them. Water helps dissolve nutrients from your food and disperse the vitamins to your body.

Blood oxygen circulation improvement

Water also carries oxygen to your body. Blood oxygen helps replace cells that wear out, providing energy for our bodies and supporting how our immune system functions. Getting plenty of water helps circulate blood oxygen throughout your body.

Energy booster

Feeling tired? You guessed it. Make sure you’re drinking enough water, as it helps boost your metabolism.

Mood improvement

When you’re tired, anxious or confused, it affects your mood. Water can help improve these symptoms of dehydration.

Cognitive function

Drinking water has a direct result on your focus, alertness and short-term memory.

Skin brightener

Does your skin look a bit peckish? Well, wouldn’t you know it — water can help with that, too! Water can help promote collagen production and help keep your skin hydrated. Keep in mind, other things affect how your skin reflects aging. But water can help keep it looking brighter.

Dehydration prevention

Dehydration can have serious effects on your health. In fact, if you’re severely dehydrated, you’re at risk for swelling in your brain, kidney failure and seizures. Staying on top of your water intake is incredibly important for preventing dehydration.