Why Water is Great for Digestion and Overall Health

Have you had any water today? Well, bottoms up! Proper hydration is an important part of every diet, and we are going to tell you why. Basically, water is great for your overall health and digestion but we’re going to share more details. 

Hydration is Digestion’s BFF

One of water’s many roles in our bodies is aiding in digestion! Fluids help move things along in our digestive tract, just like fiber does. But fiber never works alone, it always needs the help of proper hydration! 

Check out our blog post High Fiber Diet, to learn more about fiber!

Dehydration is one of the most common reasons behind constipation. Without enough fluids, your digestive tract can’t easily move or break down food. The large intestine will begin to absorb water from your food waste which leads to uncomfortable poops. Not giving your body enough fluids can really harm your digestive tract and bathroom experience. And if you don’t believe us, then here’s a study done with elderly adults: 

“ poor intake of water or excessive loss of fluid and electrolytes from the body such as during vomiting, high sweat rates or from renal disease can reduce water content of the stools and lead to constipation.”

While H2O is helping to break down foods, it’s also helping your body absorb the nutrients from the foods you eat. Water is a true multi-tasker! 

So far, water aids in digestion and helps your body absorb nutrients. What a pal! 

How Much Water Should I be Drinking

Your body needs plenty of fluids because of the many ways our body uses them. Your kidneys, skin, brain, stomach, heart, colon, and your entire body needs water. So, this what experts suggest

• About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men
• About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for woman

Did you know we also intake water from the foods we eat! Proper hydration isn’t only about chugging a gallon of water but also incorporating foods with a high-water content. These can be foods like watermelon, cauliflower, tomatoes, and more! 

Proper Hydration is Good for Your Body and Brain

Proper hydration is important for regulating body temperature and helping brain function!

In warmer climates, drinking enough water is crucial for your body temperature because of sweating. Sweating’s role is to cool down your body temperature and it can’t do that without enough fluids. 

Some say constipation is a “summer disease” because how easy it is to become dehydrated in the summer months. So, drink more fluids in the summer and warmer climates to avoid constipation and keep your body cool. 

Now, let’s talk about your brain. Researchers have studied how dehydration affects cognitive function. Here’s what they found: 

“ Being dehydrated by just 2% impairs performance in tasks that require attention, psychomotor, and immediate memory skills, as well as assessment of the subjective state. “

In order to perform at your very best, don’t forget to include plenty of fluids!

Hydration is Key

When it comes to digestion and the overall upkeep for your body, water is key! You can increase your water intake by incorporating foods with a high-water content and of course, drinking plenty of water.