You wouldn’t think I’d need to come up with ten reasons why you should drink water (your body is over 60% water – wouldn’t that be reason enough?), but I know that some people need to be reminded.

I wrote this blog for those of you who aren’t drinking enough water – been there, done that! So, check out these ten reasons to stay hydrated all day long, every day.

Reason #1: Water is free (or at least close to free). And I don’t just mean that in the monetary sense. If we’re talking calories… Water is hands-down the best beverage to choose because it has zero calories.

 

Reason #2: Water promotes weight loss. Have you ever noticed that sometimes when you think you’re hungry, a big glass of water satisfies the urge to chow down? Very often, thirst is mistaken for hunger, and though you think it’s time for a big, juicy burger, what you really need is a nice, tall glass of ice water.

Reason #3: Water helps you poop. The American Journal of Gastroenterology published a study concluding that water has a bigger impact on your ability to pass waste than the amount of fibre you eat! Now, I’m certainly not saying that fibre isn’t important, but if you want to have good poops, you have to drink plenty of water. That’s enough on that topic because we’re dangerously close to the land of TMI!

Reason #4: Water makes you smarter, happier, and more fun to be around. Many headaches are actually related to dehydration. Since our brains are about 75% water, they need lots of fluid to properly function. Without water, it can feel like your brain is “drying out,” and that can cause painful headaches.

Reason #5: Water drinkers have better skin. Now I’m not a scientist, I don’t know exactly why this is the case, but I have experienced it first hand. Years ago, the only things I would drink were coffee, lite beer, or diet cocktails (aka vodka soda). When I switched over to drinking mostly water (with a few adult beverages sprinkled in here and there), my skin drastically improved. Maybe it’s rehydration? So there.

Reason #6: Water speeds up your metabolism. According to a study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, “researchers estimate that over the course of a year, a person who increases his water consumption by 1.5 liters a day would burn an extra 17,400 calories, for a weight loss of approximately five pounds.” Uh, is that enough reason for you? It is for me!

Reason #7: Water helps release waste from your body. But for real, drink more water and you’ll pee more. When you pee, you’re getting rid of the waste products your body doesn’t need.

Reason #8: Water is a superhighway with no traffic (speaking of highways!). It is the primary method of nutrient transportation through your body. Drink more water and your nutrients will more easily be able to float around in a lovely sea of good health – your body.

Reason #9: Water increases energy. Fatigue is very often related to dehydration because your body simply cannot function properly without it. Feel like you’re dragging in the afternoon? Have a big glass of water, see how the perks you up.

Reason #10: Water keeps your body hydrated and refreshed and helps maintain your skin’s elasticity. People who drink large amounts of water are less likely to suffer from scars, wrinkles, and soft lines and they won’t show as many signs of ageing as those who drink little amounts of water.

If you need any more convincing after that, you just might be a lost cause! Go forth and drink more water!