4 Surprising Benefits of Drinking Water

It's commonly recommended to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (also known as the 8×8 rule). Now while there is little science behind this specific rule, we should certainly all be drinking more water and staying hydrated.

1. Hydration Has a Major Effect on Energy Levels and Brain Function

Your brain is strongly influenced by hydration status. In fact, studies show that even mild dehydration (1-3% of body weight) can impair many aspects of brain function.

Studies of both young women and men found that fluid loss of 1.36% up to 1.57% is detrimental to mood, concentration, working memory, and increases fatigue.

A 1-3% fluid loss equals about 1.5-4.5 lbs (0.5-2 kg) of body weight loss for a 150 lbs (68 kg) person. This can easily occur through normal daily activities, let alone during exercise or high heat.

Many other studies, ranging from children to the elderly, have shown that mild dehydration can impair mood, memory and brain performance.

2. Drinking Water May Help to Prevent and Treat Headaches

Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals. Several studies have shown that water can relieve these headaches.

One study of 18 people found that water had no effect on the frequency of headaches, but did reduce the intensity and duration somewhat.

3. Drinking More Water May Help Relieve Constipation

Constipation is a common problem, characterized by infrequent and difficult bowel movements.

Low water consumption appears to be a risk factor for constipation in both young and elderly individuals. This is why increasing fluid intake is often recommended as a part of the treatment protocol.

Carbonated water shows particularly promising results for constipation relief, although the reason is not entirely understood.

4. Drinking More Water Can Help With Weight Loss

The main reason it can help you lose weight is because water can make you feel more full, so that you eat fewer calories. Drinking water half an hour before meals appears the most effective.

In one study, dieters who drank half a liter of water before meals lost 44% more weight, over a period of 12 weeks. It's thought that cold water may be even more beneficial, because then the body must use additional energy (calories) to heat the water to body temperature.

So I've really only scratched the surface here. Studies show drinking more water is also beneficial for maximising exercise performance, helping to treat kidney stones, preventing hangovers and more.

The benefits are even greater when you replace sugary beverages with water. It's a very simple way to cut back on sugar and calories... Drink up!

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Studies mentioned in video:

[trevorregay]

YES! H20 BABY!!!!…..My kid drinks this all day and all night instead of soda or pop….can't tell you the number of her friends who drink soda and pop like ITS water???…Not sure what the parents are thinking but introducing the sugary drinks at such a young age is NOT doing their kids any favors….Me thinx its crazy!….Thanx for the vid….keep em coming!

[mahmoudfaryabi]

I followed website before, and I follow your videos now, very helpful, thanks

[thebudkellyfiles]

I totally agree. I go through that stuff like water.

[janiahturner]

i like ur videos in it was helpful for me thanks 😃😂

[ayako]

Why you keep standing so close to the camera, it is very scary

[returnearthvideochannel]

The speaker should not be standing up - and he is too close to the camera. Instead he should be seated in a relaxed pose having an informal conversation with a Joe Public 'dumb' interviewer asking lay-person type questions on behalf of the viewers. Water consumption is important, we all know that, however the 8 glasses of water per day is too simplistic. Who decided that is the correct amount? Many experts seem to be totally unaware that many foods like cucumbers, lettuce, celery and many fruits (for example) contain up to 90% or more PURE, NON CHLORINATED, NON FLUORIDATED refreshing water! The hydrating properties of these every day foods is rarely mentioned by 'qualified' nutritionists, dietitians et al. Our ancestors would be laughing at these deluded health care professionals - perhaps they are?. They knew far more than today's so called informed society about a healthy balanced diet - yet they had no access to the wealth of science and clinical trials that we place far too much importance on. Concerned about your health? ... Time to get real!