We’re almost a month into 2022, and with that comes a re-evaluation of how well we’re doing with our resolutions. Now, while it can be hard for some to stick to the resolutions they made on the first of January, sometimes starting small is the way to go. This is exactly Oprah Winfrey’s method, as she’s using her Instagram page to encourage us to take the first, small step to improve our health.
So what is the step she wants us to take? A simple one that you can do every day – drink more water.
Oprah Winfrey: It’s Time To Drink More Water
“If you’ve been waiting for the right day, the right time, or some kind of sign…this is it. Today is the day. Day One starts now!… Goodbye two-week-old cake, hello hydration.” – Oprah Winfrey, Instagram
It may sound simple, and obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people are not drinking enough water. In fact, when was the last time you had a glass of it? Drinking more water is probably one of the easiest things you can do to improve your health in 2022, especially because it has so many potential benefits.
6 Benefits of drinking more water
1. Keeps your brain happy
Your brain needs your body to stay hydrated, so any change in hydration levels can affect your brain function.
Countless studies have found that dehydration, even mild dehydration, can impair brain function, impacting memory and concentration. Therefore, making sure that you drink enough water can serve to keep your brain sharp and focused.
2. Improve your fitness goals
If you’re worried about your exercise performance, then it would be advisable that you make sure to drink enough water.
Hydration is critical for athletes, especially because they can lose about 1l of water per hour. If not replaced, this loss of water can influence athletic performance and even cause decreased muscle endurance and strength.
3. May help improve digestion
If you’re struggling with digestion issues like constipation, you may want to increase your water intake.
According to a study published in Jornal de Pediatria, low water intake is associated with a higher risk of intestinal constipation. As such, the researchers concluded that greater water intake may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of mild intestinal constipation.
4. Can help with weight management
If you’re looking to manage your weight better in 2022, might we suggest drinking more water?
For one, drinking plenty of water can help to increase satiety, which then reduces the risk of overeating. Secondly, drinking enough water can also help to boost your metabolic rate.
5. Keeps joints healthy
Unhealthy joints can cause a plethora of issues, but one way to keep them happy is by staying hydrated.
Synovial fluid is a fluid in the body that helps to lubricate the joints, and it is mostly made of water. Therefore, if you’re not drinking enough water, then you’re increasing your risk for joint pain.
6. Boosts skin health
Do you want to know an effective skincare secret? Stay hydrated.
Dehydrated skin can cause inflammation and breakouts, and it can also accelerate the aging process. What’s more, dehydrated skin can also affect product absorption, so the products you use to address the aforementioned issues aren’t going to work as effectively as you’d want them to.
How much water should you drink a day?
While the answer varies, depending on weight, age, exercise level, and climate, the consensus is that adult males should drink about 3.7 liters of water a day, and adult females should drink about 2.7 liters of water a day.
Don’t overdo it
Yes, water is important, but you should remember not to drink too much of it. No, you won’t necessarily drown, but you will become over-hydrated and battle with symptoms like nausea, migraines, and confusion.
Want to know more?
It’s clear that water is good for us, but what about coconut water? Believe it or not, it seems that coconut water might be the answer to achieving your 2022 health and weight loss goals.
References
- https://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/fluid-facts-for-athletes
- Boilesen, S. N., Tahan, S., Dias, F. C., Melli, L., & de Morais, M. B. (2017). Water and fluid intake in the prevention and treatment of functional constipation in children and adolescents: is there evidence?.Jornal de pediatria, 93(4), 320–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jped.2017.01.005
