Has anyone ever told you to drink more Water?
This topic pops up frequently but most recently on a brief visit to Phoenix as I’m reminded how good we have it with plentiful water and resources in the Midwest. That and how I’m reminded how dry my house gets come Halloween-Easter. In the end, like everything, build your water routine and be grateful you live in the land of freshwater lakes & rivers.
I’m also grateful for our Special Contributor providing the following post. Let me know if you have any topics you would like to share or contribute to. (chris@akasport.org) Be well, good people. -CS
In the land of 10,000 lakes, we are so lucky to be surrounded by the unique beauty of and privileged access to fresh water. No one knows better than Minnesotans how to take advantage of our precious summer months by getting outside to splash around in this natural treasure and it’s no secret that we cherish our special waters. But as much time as we spend appreciating this increasingly important geological gift, the question is – are we drinking enough of it?
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: you should drink more water. But the question is how much is enough and what do you stand to gain from improving your water intake? Here’s a quick rundown on the major benefits of drinking water:
1. Helps maximize physical performance
2. Significantly affects brain function and energy levels
3. May prevent and treat headaches
4. Can aid weight loss
5. Helps maintain a strong immune system by:
Helping absorb nutrients
Supporting the health of mucous membranes; and
Is a key component of lymphatic fluid
While all of these benefits are wildly important to feeling your best and maximizing your ability to tackle what life throws your way, as we head into winter, we’re going to take a closer look at what you can do to keep your immune system strong. With holidays right around the corner, a new year ahead, and football season in full swing, let’s tackle our health to prevent being sidelined from fun festivities and time with family and friends.
It shouldn’t come as new information that your body’s systems need nutrients to properly do their job. Water is a necessity for digestive functioning, but especially so in order for absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Nutrients are transported in this liquid form to all of your body’s cells where they can be taken up and utilized.
Water is also a major component of lymphatic fluid while also helping to maintain the support of healthy mucous membranes. More commonly referred to as lymph, lymphatic fluid is a fundamental piece of your immune system that contains white blood cells that help the body fight infection. As it circulates, it helps flush out waste, toxins, and impurities. Composed of approximately 96% water, it’s no surprise that drinking more water helps maintain its stability and performance to keep you healthy.
Further keeping your body working in tip-top-shape, water helps maintain the health of your mucous membranes. Mucous may sound like a gross word you usually associate with being sick, but mucous membranes act as a barrier to protect the inside of your body that are exposed to air, like your nostrils or mouth for example. When these passages lack adequate hydration, they can become dry, which decreases their effectiveness and leaves you more vulnerable to getting sick.
Although water is a fabulous place to start that will have hugely positive impacts on your health, from improving your day-to-day energy levels to maintaining a strong immune system through the winter, there are lots of other things you can do to stay operating at your peak. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights these six tips to maintain a healthy immune system and provides links for helpful tips on how to incorporate these changes into your daily life. These suggestions include:
Eat Well
Be physically active
Maintain a healthy weight
Get enough sleep
Quit Smoking
Avoid too much alcohol
As we look to the winter ahead there’s certain things that we can count on. The days will have more dark than light, the weather is going to get colder, and colds and flus are going to happen. But you can stay ahead of bugs and viruses by maintaining your immune system with all the knowledge you have. Challenge yourself to find a new winter activity if you struggle to get outside when the weather changes. Maybe this is the year you join that inexpensive gym around the corner or join that shuffleboard league to get a little extra exercise and make some new friends in the process! However you decide to keep yourself healthy and motivated this winter, make sure you do one thing for sure… drink more water!
