You know that good hydration is key to optimum health. But do you know how drinking water keeps you at your best? Take a moment to appreciate some evidence-based ways water elevates your mind, body, and game and how you can practically incorporate good hydration into your day.  

1). It Wakes You Up (At Any Time of Day)

Need a reliable energy boost? Whether you’re first waking up or hitting an afternoon slump, drinking water can give you the lift you need to tackle the day’s demands. Your metabolism–a cellular process that converts calories into energy–is happiest when you are hydrated.

While even mild dehydration can slow your metabolism and lead to low energy, drinking water can boost your metabolic rate up to 30%, effectively energizing all cells and systems of your body.

How to get it: In the morning, drink 1 or 2 glasses of water before you have coffee/tea or breakfast. You’ve just gone 7-8 hours without water. Making A.M. hydration part of your routine will wake you up at the cellular level. To keep this benefit going, drink water at regular intervals throughout the day, especially with increased activity or in stressful situations.  

2). It Helps Prevent Overeating   

Have a hankering for a less-than-healthy snack? It may actually be your thirst talking. The nourishment and satisfaction from proper hydration beats cravings and often leads to naturally wanting fewer calories at mealtimes. When combined with a health-centered lifestyle, drinking water can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

How to get it: When you find yourself rummaging in the cupboards between meals, stop to ask yourself: when was the last time I drank water? Treat yourself to a glass and notice if that satisfies your craving. (Didn’t do the trick? Try a fruit or vegetable with a high water content–like cucumbers, watermelon, or cherries–to hydrate while you snack).

3). It Promotes Regularity

What happens in the toilet–or doesn’t–can reveal a lot about your health. Complete and regular bowel movements are essential for proper digestion and eliminating waste. Going too little, too often (constipation) is often caused by insufficient hydration.

How to get it: As factors such as too much sitting can also contribute to constipation, take standing or walking water breaks throughout the day, especially when you’re traveling or working at your desk.

4). It Flushes Out Waste

Your kidneys depend on water to perform their vital job filtering your blood, removing waste excess fluid and waste, and maintaining electrolyte balance. Good hydration allows kidneys to do their job, while reducing the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones.

How to get it: Make a habit of paying attention to the color of your urine. Dark yellow indicates dehydration, while light yellow or colorless means you’re giving your kidneys what they need to flush out waste and excess fluids.

Open the waterways. Your mind, body, health, and life will thank you for it.