7 Shocking Benefits of Extreme Hydration

Thanks to a single interview I watched in the stunning documentary, Food Matters, I began drinking pure water at an unprecedented rate. The results are outstanding.

Photo Credit: dicktay2000

I knew water was good for me, but I wasn’t drinking nearly enough. So, I changed my habits. I woke up in the morning and drank 1 liter of water before anything else.

The key factor was to not allow myself any coffee or breakfast until I first drank a significant amount of water.

My post, Water Before Coffee, details the water system I use, exactly how much I drink now, and the benefits I have personally experienced from increasing my daily water intake.

How is Water Helping You Now?

Water accounts for around 60% of your body’s mass and these hefty bodily fluids help with:

• Digestion of food
• Absorption of nutrients
• Circulation of blood
• Creation of saliva
• Transportation of nutrients
• Maintenance of body temperature

7 Benefits of Drinking More Water

1. Detoxing ::: bodily fluids transport your body’s nasty toxins out of your cells. This is the single most important benefit to staying healthy (outside of consuming healthy nutrients). More water leads to feeling better and actually being better.
2. Control Cravings ::: you are less likely to be drinking soda or snacking if you are pounding down a liter of water during your mid-afternoon snack. Seems obvious. Also, water-rich food (like citrus fruits) are larger in volume and provide extreme hydration without a glass of water on the side – but you should have both anyway.
3. Energized Muscles ::: your muscle tissue will begin to atrophy when it lacks a healthy electrolyte balance. Drinking more water stabilizes your electrolytes, which allows your muscles to function at their optimum level. Don’t worry about drinking too much because you will just pee it out. The one exception is during ultra-sporting events where you need electrolyte supplements.
4. Healthier Skin ::: dehydrated skin cells are dry and wrinkled. Hydrated skin cells are . . . that’s right, moist and smooth. (I just realized that sounds like an inappropriate late night infomercial for a moisturizer)
5. Prevents Constipation ::: Now here’s the topic you should be discussing tonight during dinner. Tell your significant other, children, and/or friends that it’s their lack of water that is causing them to never poop enough. More water means that your intestines are not sacrificing fluid to balance other dehydrated areas of your body. You will make some new friends fast with this fascinating trivia.
6. Surprising Energy + Mental Clarity ::: I do a lot of writing in the afternoons (like this post for example) and I always drink 1 liter of water before I begin. The extra water provides a strong boost of energy and I focus with ease. The mental clarity is stunning and I love how I don’t need an energy drink to stay upbeat. Water is truly amazing!
7. Water is Cheaper Than Soda ::: if you are a Diet Coke addict, or you just can’t give up your mid-morning shot of 5-hour Energy, take a look at your budget. The 5 gallons of water I drink each week cost me $1.96 USD. Yes, that’s less than two bucks for 5 entire gallons! It costs more than $2 for a single bottle of soda. Ok, I’m done preaching.

What To Do Next

1. Begin each day with at least 1 liter (32 ounces) of pure, filtered water – nothing else.
2. Set a goal to drink at least 2 liters (64 ounces) of water each day. I recommend closer to 4 liters if you can. If you are consuming a lot of fruit each day like I do, you can get away with less.
3. Read my post on Water Before Coffee
4. Watch Food Matters for free on Netflix
5. Install a water filter in your home or get a cheaper 5-gallon ceramic water dispenser. Just be ready to build some muscle. Each 5-gallon jug weighs 45 pounds (20 kgs) when filled up!