Most people are aware that drinking water is healthy, but too many people do not get enough. Just what are the health benefits of something as simple as water, and how much should you drink each day to get those benefits?

The Health Benefits of Water

  • It’s important to get enough water to keep your metabolism working well. Just as we need to keep sufficient gas and oil in our car to keep it running smoothly, our bodies run better when they are well hydrated.
  • Water helps our kidneys function as they should, allowing them to do their job of filtering. It also helps prevent kidney stones. A common cause of this painful condition is dehydration.
  • Water aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.
  • Adding water to your diet, particularly before meals, can help you lose weight. It helps you feel full, so you eat less. Studies have shown that people who drink a glass of water before a meal consume about 75 fewer calories. The specialists at our Center for Medical Weight Loss will attest that this adds up to pounds lost.
  • It’s interesting to note that the body often mistakes being thirsty with being hungry. Too often people reach for a snack when a glass of water may help reduce their “hunger.”

How Much Water Should You Consume Each Day?

Our Lawrenceville doctors say that it depends on a number of factors, including your size, activity level and the climate where you live. The general recommendation is to drink between one-half and one ounce for every pound you weigh. In a hot climate like we have here in Georgia, people may need to consume closer to one ounce per pound, particularly if they are active. There may be other factors that influence your advisable level of water consumption, so it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor the next time you visit.

That may seem like a lot of water. For a 128-pound person, it would mean drinking a gallon of water each day. However, there are easy ways to work it into your daily routine so that after awhile, you’re not even thinking about it. In fact, it’s better to space out your water consumption. Trying to get your daily requirement all at once isn’t healthy.

Tips for Integrating More Water into Your Life

Here are some tips from our Gwinnett doctors for remaining hydrated throughout the day:

  • Keep water at your desk or work area.
  • Carry a sports bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
  • Switch out at least one drink (preferably a caffeinated one) per day for a glass of water.
  • Keep water on your nightstand to drink during the night if you wake up or when you get up in the morning. Many people find themselves dehydrated when they wake up.

While you’re keeping your body healthy, you can also help keep the earth healthy. Buy one or two reusable water bottles so that you aren’t using the wasteful 16-ounce plastic ones that bottled water comes in. Assuming that there are no contamination problems with the water supply in your area, tap water is every bit as healthy as bottled water, and cheaper!

If you’re having health problems that you think may be due in part to dehydration, keep track of how much water you are drinking and discuss it with your doctor at our Lawrenceville health clinic on your next visit.