The Surprising Truth about Drinking 8 – 10 Glasses of Water a Day and Why It’s Important That You Do
In my younger days I remember my grandmother carrying around this big steel jug of water—and forcefully she needed to ‘stay hydrated.’ At the time I didn’t think much of it. Water was something that you would run and remove your thirst when you are thirsty. It was something that I never paid any mind to. Fast forward to today, I’m aware of how crucial water is, not just for avoiding being thirsty but literally for fighting graden we are alive and thriving.
Water is pretty miraculous, and if you really start to think about it. Our bodies learn to take it for granted, but it makes up about 60% of our bodies. In fact, we’re quick to grab a cup of coffee or a soda, but what about plain water? It’s not as exciting, right? I used to be the same, but then once I knew how important water was and what it does when you don’t drink enough, I suddenly just changed my entire outlook on things.
Water: The Unsung Hero of Your Body
I’ll give you a picture. What if your body was a bustling city? Your blood vessels are roads, your heart is a power plant, and countless workers working 24/7. If I’m being totally honest water is the fuel that powers this city to run as smoothly as it does. Without it, there is moving or working more slowly than normal in a way that seems lazy circulation (traffic jams forming), factories won’t be running (your organs can’t function), chaos (hello, dehydration).
To get started, water is the medium by which nutrients make it to your cells. But have you ever wondered how the vitamins you put into your mouth actually get to your muscles and brain? Water. It is also the reason you can sweat on a hot day, your body keeping cool, when you are overheated. Your kidneys are basically superheroes — but water is their sidekick and don’t even get me started how water flushes out toxins.
But Why 8–10 Glasses a Day?
You’ve probably already heard the “8–10 glasses a day” rule by now – so many times that it seems like obvious gospel. I’m used to wondering if this is some unfair number. It’s more complicated than you’d imagine. Adults lose a total of 2.5 liters water per day from sweat, urination and even breathing. You need to be fulfill that lost water that your body needed. 8–10 glasses is a good place to start, but it doesn’t mean that if you drink 10 you’re getting the exact same benefit as someone who drinks 8. For instance, if you are one lucky person who works out a lot, or even dwells in one very warm region, then you’ll need much more.
A long time ago, this one summer, when I made my summer resolution to really get in shape. After the workouts, my pants would be so soaked in sweat that I’d be dripping wet, but I wasn’t drinking near enough water to compensate for that. The result? Fatigue, headaches, and an odd sense of being irritable. From there, once I was drinking more conscious water — 8 to 10 glasses a day — I felt like a new person. My body was starting to look clearer and my energy levels increase rpidly to a much higher level than before.
Benefits that You Will Experience in Your Real Life
Something I’ve noticed is how we underestimate water’s power until we enter full dehydration mode. A friend of mine used to complain about constant headaches. There were medications, there was better sleep, there was cutting down on screen time—you name it, she tried it. One day she mentioned that she only drank about two glasses of water a day. Two! I tried increasing this to around eight and the headaches soon went as if by magic.
Another example is digestion. Have you ever eaten a heavy meal and looked or felt slowler than usual oruncomfortable? It can make a world of difference in your drinking water. It aids in breaking food down and keeping stuff moving down your digestive tract. Your stomach will most definitely thank you for that.
Subtle Signs of Lost Fluid
Here’s something that caught me off guard: dehydration doesn’t always look like you’re dying of thirst. Sometimes, it’s sneaky. Dry skin, chapped lips, — even that mid afternoon energy slump — can be your body’s way of saying Hey, I need water! I’ve found personally, when I don’t drink enough, I lose my focus too. My brain won’t cooperate, and I’m sitting at my desk, staring at a task. An hour later, it’s like someone refreshed what they were doing.
When you’re consistent … What happens?
Start your morning with a glass of water was one of the best habits I picked up. To some of us, it may sound simple but after hours of sleep, your body is literally urgent needed for some hydration. That first glass puts your body into metabolic gear and allows you to start your day off right. I can even say, drinking water refresingly during the day can reduce the reasons of unnecessary snacking. What we mistake as hunger sometimes simply turns out to be thirst.
The Emotional Connection
Here’s the thing: Physical health isn’t all it’s about. You can’t beat a cold glass of water when life is nuts. It’s a simple act of self care that takes you out of your thoughts to remember to breathe. In my opinion, I like to think it as reconnecting with something simple that is also profound. A fact, water literally is life.
Busting the Myths
Before I wrap up, let’s address a common misconception: “I don’t need water if I’m not thirsty.” This one causes a lot of problems for a lot of people. Actually, thirst is a late stage signal of dehydration. The problem is that before you even feel it, your body’s already in need. So it’s so important to stick to a routine, be it to keep drinking water with your meal or to take a reusable water bottle with you.
Final Thoughts
It’s not the flashiest drink out there, but it’s certainly the most important. When I pour myself a glass, I like to think about how something so basic can be so powerfully affecting my body and mind every single time. Water is the ultimate game changer whether it’s keeping my skin glowing my energy up or my focus sharp.
And next time you’re tempted to go get a soda or coffee, perhaps don’t, but think twice. Just a glass of water may just be what your body needs. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it. Cheers to staying hydrated!READ MORE BLOGS
