got water?

 (credit unknown. but it's pretty cool :D)

         
       I'm sure you've heard the same ol' story hundreds of times. But it's true: we need to drink more water. It's so simple, but so important. On a day-to-day basis, we don't drink enough. I've been beginning to think that that's part of the reason we have certain health problems, such as obesity, skin blemishes, dry skin, circulation, hypertension, etc. I just want to encourage you this summer to drink lots and lots of water.

          

 Here are just a few benefits of drinking water...

 ~ increases energy-- it does! Do not underestimate the power of water. Drinking a nice, cold glass of water-- whether it be sassy water, bottled water (with no added minerals), or plain, filtered water-- will give you a boost of energy.

~ helps with high cholesterol

~ helps with water retention-- believe it or not. If your body is retaining fluids, it may seem logical to drink less water. However, the opposite is true. To lose the excess fluids, you may need to drink more water. Dehydration can cause the body to retain fluid that will be released when you drink more water. Probably didn't know that, huh? I know I didn't :)

~ increases good health in the brain-- the brain is *extremely* sensitive to water loss. It's said that the brain can barely stand even 1% loss of water. If it were to have only 84% water instead of 85%, the brain will start not to function like it should. Isn't that crazy?!

~ hydrates skin-- your skin is the largest organ in your body. Water will help clear it of pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes and will help with your dry skin to keep it firm and moisturized.

~ helps with chapped lips-- have you ever had those times where you'll keep putting on chapstick but it just doesn't make that much of a difference? It's probably because you're not drinking enough water. Your lips are probably croaking, "I'm thirsty". It definitely helps!

~ flush toxins--it's so true. Water is probably one of the simplest and most powerful ways to detox your body.

~  alleviates headaches-- have you ever been out and about, and suddenly you get a headache? It's most likely because you didn't drink enough water that day. So before you pop an Advil in your mouth, grab a bottle of water and drink the whole thing, then see how you feel.

~ helps with mild depression-- you have to admit: drinking water improves your mood a little bit. It does me :).

~ alleviates back pain, cramps, stomach aches, etc.

~ increases metabolism

~ aids digestion

       So, my conclusion is: when in doubt, grab water. Grab a water before you grab a Diet Coke! Or a Mountain Dew. Or an iced tea. Or Crystal Light. You get the point.


        I bet that, as of this very moment, as you're reading this post, you are not drinking water. Am I right?  Precisely my point. *grins*