These days it seems that we are surrounded by drinks that are anything but water. You can find an overwhelming amount of various types of beverages, from juices, sodas, and alcohol, to teas, coffees, and caffeinated/energy drinks, to milks, kombucha, and green powder drinks that seem to promise the elixir of life. Where did the water go?
(Short on time? Click here for The Bottom Line)
Societal behaviours and environments don’t help either. You might be used to grabbing a coffee in the morning, then a protein shake by 10am, a juice with lunch, a soda at dinner, and alcohol before bed. And I get it, it’s not always easy to add water into this pattern.
But it is incredibly important. Water (and fluids) make up a significant portion of the human body.
Your body uses water to:
- produce hormones and brain transmitters
- regulate body temperature
- make saliva which helps digestion
- lubricate joints
- cushion and protect your brain
- transport oxygen and nutrients around the body
- flush waste
Additionally, many body processes use up our fluid stores (think: sweating, peeing, bowel movements, and even breathing). This is why it’s important to be well hydrated on a daily basis.
Drinking more water improves your blood pressure and bowel movements, and reduces your risk of becoming dehydrated or suffering from kidney stones.
Although all fluids in general are important and can help hydrate us, water gives you the best value. It has no calories, no sugar, is generally lower cost, and directly improves your health. Other beverages have other ingredients and components, many of which may affect our health, often negatively, whether via sugar content, dehydration, or otherwise.
Water keeps every part of your body working properly. You can think of it as a nutrient we need to function properly, thrive, and perform at our best.
Whether ordering at a restaurant, buying groceries, or deciding what beverage to go for at any time of day, choose water more often. You can still enjoy other drinks (in moderation), but that extra glass of water, here and there, will add up and keep moving you towards better health.
The Bottom Line
Water is a vital nutrient that powers your brain, joints, and digestion. If you’re ever feeling sluggish or foggy, a great first step is checking in to see if you have had enough water for the day. You can still enjoy other beverages, but be sure to make water a priority.