No one can deny the benefits that are associated with drinking the daily recommended amount of water. It effectively keeps your system functioning properly while helping to fend off or treat certain diseases. While how much water you’re supposed to drink depends on your activity level, overall lifestyle and other factors, it’s recommended that the average person drink about eight glasses of water (containing eight ounces of water per glass) a day. To motivate you into getting your daily dose of H2O, here are nine ways in which water can prevent or treat diseases.
Prevent Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are commonly caused by not drinking enough water. Because water is able to dissolve the matter that creates the kidney stones, drinking about 12 glasses of water per day will help to effectively treat them.
Prevents Constipation
Not enough water in your diet will result in more dense bowel movements, which can lead to hemorrhoids or diverticulosis. Eating more vegetables in addition to staying hydrated will keep your stool softer, making it easier to pass.
Treat Urinary Tract Infections
The more water you consume, the more you’re likely to urinate throughout the day. Drinking lots of water will effectively flush out the bad bacteria within your bladder and reduce your urinary tract infection symptoms.
Keeps You Feeling Energetic
When you get dehydrated, your blood actually becomes thicker than its original, hydrated state. Thicker blood makes proper circulation more difficult, resulting in your brain being less active and you feeling more fatigued. Drinking more water will easily remedy that, as well as cure any resulting headaches.
Prevents Diarrhea Resulting from Dehydration
The best way to quickly recover from a bout of diarrhea caused by dehydration is to drink this rehydration home remedy. Simply mix two teaspoons of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt into a glass of water. Similar to a dextrose solution you’d get from a hospital, drink as much of it as you can to soothe your symptoms.
Reduces Fever
When experiencing flu-like symptoms, it’s best to drink lots of water as it can help lower your fever. This is accomplished through simply urinating the heat and toxins from your body.
Reduces Heartburn
Taking a few gulps of water every 20 minutes or so is all it takes to flush away any stomach acid that’s creeping up. If you’re still experiencing heartburn, then try eating bananas with your water, as this is an effective alternative to consuming antacids.
Reduces Weight
Drinking about two glasses of water before each meal will lessen how much food you consume, as you’ll feel fuller faster. And since water doesn’t contain any calories, you don’t have to worry about gaining additional weight.
Improves Skin
Staying properly hydrated throughout the day, whether that means drinking six glasses of water or ten, will reduce any signs of wrinkles, dull skin and undereye bags. Increasing your water intake will allow for bright, plump and glowing skin over time.
At MacDonald’s Prescriptions, our expert staff works hard to provide the best customer service to the neighbourhood. Our Kitsilano drugstore and pharmacy, located in Vancouver, BC, has been treating the community for over 45 years. Our pharmaceutical services include specialized medication, compliance packaging, vaccinations, ostomy care, medication reviews and more. Be sure to stop by our Kitsilano drug store or call to book an appointment.