We are after all basically “Ugly, ugly giant bags of mostly water,” as was once mentioned on Star Trek, to which Data confirmed indicating that it was an accurate description of human physiology being that humans are around two-thirds liquid surrounded by a flexible container.
Public health recommendations typically suggest that most people should be drinking around 8 cups of water a day. Most people just assume that it is healthy to drink plenty of water, now researchers from the University of California- San Francisco analyzed the available evidence to provide a reminder of why we need to remember to drink enough water.
Benefits of drinking enough water
The findings published in JAMA Network Open analyzing 18 randomized and controlled trials concluded that drinking enough water can help with weight management, as well as the prevention of kidney stones, migraines, urinary tract infections, and low blood pressure.
“For such a ubiquitous and simple intervention, the evidence hasn’t been clear and the benefits were not well-established, so we wanted to take a closer look,” said senior and corresponding author Benjamin Breyer, MD, MAS, the Taube Family Distinguished Professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Urology.
“The amount of rigorous research turned out to be limited, but in some specific areas, there was a statistically significant benefit,” Breyer said. “To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the benefits of water consumption on clinical outcomes broadly.”
Simple Intervention
According to the researchers, most of the evidence supports drinking water to significantly decrease the likelihood of kidney stones. Several studies found that 6 cups of water helped adults to lose weight, however, another study including adolescents found that drinking just over 8 cups a day had no effect.
Other studies suggested that drinking enough water can help to prevent migraines and urinary tract infections, as well as helping to control diabetes and low blood pressure. Adults with recurrent headaches felt better after 3 months of drinking more and drinking 4 cups a day helped to lower elevated levels of blood glucose.
Drinking more water helped young adults with low blood pressure. Additionally, drinking an additional 6 cups helped women with recurrent urinary tract infections, reducing the number of infections and increasing the duration of time between infections.
“We know that dehydration is detrimental, particularly in someone with a history of kidney stones or urinary infections,” said Breyer, who is a member of the UCSF Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. “On the other hand, someone who suffers from frequent urination at times may benefit from drinking less. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for water consumption.”
Not drinking enough
Around two-thirds of our body weight is water, all of our cells need it to work. It is needed to live and support nearly every bodily function which includes but is not limited to circulation, immune support, temperature regulation, digestion support, joint lubrication, eye health, and natural detoxification.
Research suggests that middle-aged people who are not hydrated enough are more likely to develop chronic diseases such as heart failure, dementia, lung disease, and diabetes as well as age faster and die younger.
Overhydration
Most of us know that it is important to drink enough water, but did you know that you can drink too much and overhydrate? Yes, we can, this is a real thing, and it can be dangerous. Drinking excessive amounts of water can have a number of side effects such as muscle cramping from the electrolyte imbalance, increased urine frequency, and in extreme cases fatal water intoxication.
The H2O of it
For most people, it is ok to drink a little extra water but keep an eye on how much you are drinking so you don’t overdo it, and don’t forget that you are also getting some via the food you eat. Keep in mind that the right amount to drink will vary from person to person depending on age, gender, activity level, environment, medications, and certain conditions. Typically drinking when one is feeling thirsty anytime losing fluids, or when urine appears to be dark is a good idea.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2024/11/428961/drinking-plenty-water-benefits
http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.47621
https://worldhealth.net/news/hydrating-health-why-drinking-water-so-important/
