HEALTH

Just about everyone recommends staying hydrated, but how does it *actually* benefit your health? Turns out, drinking a healthy amount of water helps your body function normally. Water is essential for most of the things you do every day—it improves your quality of sleep, boosts your mood and increases brain function. Read on for the top six ways your body benefits from water.

It keeps you alive.
This may seem obvious, but your body needs water to survive! Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to function. Hydration is also essential for the body to maintain temperate and remove waste according to Family Doctor.

You'll have more energy.
One of the most important sources of energy for your body is water. Along with helping your cells complete their duties, staying hydrated keeps your body going all day (and gives you more quality sleep). 

Your skin will be clearer.
That's right, you can get clearer skin just by drinking more water. Since the skin is an organ, it too needs water to thrive. The more water you drink, the less prone your skin will be to dryness, redness, and wrinkles.

It makes you smarter.
This is no joke! A study reported by Fronteirs in Human Neuroscience showed participants who drank water before performing cognitive tests reacted faster than their less hydrated counterparts. 

You'll be in a better mood.
Being dehydrated can actually make you grumpy, believe it or not. A lack of water in the body can make you confused, leaving you feeling frustrated. Once you're hydrated you'll be thinking clearer *and* feeling much better.

You'll have less junk food cravings.
Studies have shown that the more water you drink, the less empty calories you'll crave. How can this be? The body often confuses dehydration with hunger, causing your body to crave food when it really needs water.

Let's face it: life can be hectic, and tracking your water intake is pretty low on your priority list. Try carrying a water bottle with you or start using an app like Plant Nanny or Daily Water to easily keep track of how much water you need.

Do you carry a water bottle with you? How do you stay hydrated throughout the day? Let us know in the comments!

by Julia Bonney | 1/19/2018