The 4 Positive Impacts That Drinking More Water Had On My Health And Well-Being
A few years ago, I noticed an internet challenge trending. Generally, I view viral trends with a form of derision. When you’ve had the misfortune of seeing our society attempt to eat a whole Ghost chili, smear 100 layers of foundation on to their skin, and apply extreme suction to their lips to copycat Kylie Jenner – how can you not roll your eyes at any next sensation?
However, this trend was a little different. It wasn’t blind ridiculous or life-risking for one (which by now makes it somewhat of a deviant). This challenge asked people to try drinking 3 litres of water per day, for a certain amount of weeks. I was substantially guilty of never consuming enough water – I’d literally only take a sip if I was gasping! And instead of boasting the opportunity to make yourself look like a brain-dead zombie ready to snort a condom for the sake of ‘views’, this one actually bragged multiple health benefits that we all so often ignore. I was in.
It was hard. At first, I felt like I was really forcing the water down. It didn’t feel natural at all. Nor did it help that I was working the summer in a sales job; where clients could be with you for hours at any time, and toilet breaks (which inevitably were in frequent demand for me) were limited.
Eventually, I cut it down from 3 litres to 2, which is generally the recommended amount. Since then I have maintained this small change – give or take a guilty day or two. It’s such a cheap and easy to sustain lifestyle choice to make, and I find the benefits to be more than worth it! Here are some of the best ways it has improved my life and well-being.
1. Improved complexion
Whilst it is often debated whether our diet affects our skin or not, drinking enough water generally isn’t. Without consuming enough water, our body will become dehydrated, which is common sense enough. However, we mustn’t forget that our skin is also a functioning organ of our body too, so the rule of dehydration extends there as well. Dehydrated skin can lead to a dry, flaky, blotchy red complexion, alongside the possibility of worsened acne.
I have always had issues with my skin. I suffered from terrible hormonal acne as a young teenager and, while much better now, I’m still finding the best way to keep my complexion as clear and healthy as possible. Ever since I increased my water intake, I have noticed a positive change – my skin often feels smoother and I experience far fewer episodes of redness and irritation. While it will never be the sole cure for any skin problems, It’s definitely a big step in a positive direction.
2. Improved immune system
I am terrible for coming down with illnesses. Put me in the proximity of somebody suffering from a cold or flu and I suddenly start to feel incredibly anxious and start counting down the likely number of days it is until I inevitably start suffering too. However, since I have been drinking more water, the number of illnesses I come down with each year has reduced by about a half. I’m so grateful for this small change and it’s definitely the biggest motivator to keep sipping – especially through those nasty flu seasons during winter!
So what is it about water that makes it one of our greatest allies for cold prevention? According to Fit Day, it strengthens our immune system in two ways. Firstly, it carries oxygen to the body’s cells, which results in properly functioning organs and hence, a stronger system to fight off infections. Secondly, it flushes out harmful toxins from the body – like a well-maintained river carrying out unwanted garbage.
3. Better concentration and focus
This was incredibly beneficial during university: tons of reading to do and extensively long hours working on my essays. It was difficult enough keeping awake, never mind conjuring up the creative and insightful edge that my course demanded. While my coffee gave me a few sparks, it was never as successful at sustaining my focus for the full study session as taking regular sips of water was.
Since our brains are made up of 73% water, it’s no wonder that keeping hydrated is imperative to maintaining our thinking and concentration levels. It doesn’t take much for these levels to fall either, as according to research, it only takes a 2% dehydration for our performance to be impaired. A lack of hydration also has links to:
- Lower mood.
- Reduction in cognitive and motor skills.
- Higher sensitivity to pain.
- Less energy.
- Worsened memory.
4. Fewer headaches
Just like my terrible tendency to always come down with illnesses, I’m too often suffering from headaches. Similar to impaired brain functioning, fluid loss can cause the brain to physically shrink temporarily – the pain of a headache comes from the movement of the brain pulling away from the skull. With dehydration proven to be one of the biggest triggers of most headaches, it, therefore, came as no surprise to me that as my water intake increased, the number of headaches I suffered decreased.
Too often enough, we logically place our headaches hand in hand with our mistake of not consuming enough water throughout that day. Although most head pain is now easily treated by paracetamol and a quick rest, it would be far better (and healthier) if we simply prevented dehydration headaches altogether by drinking enough water.
