We’re all familiar with the rule that states you’re supposed to drink about eight glasses of water a day. But how many of us actually keep count? We’re living in a world that has us rushing around, stressed, overworked and exhausted. Let’s face it, tracking our daily water intake usually doesn’t top the priority list. However, I strongly encourage you to give it a place on your list!

Staying hydrated is key to your health, both physical and mental. It’s true! Proper hydration improves everything, from your skin to your mood. While most of us aren’t paying much attention to how well we’re watering our bodies, it’s something we should all be informed about because that’s when you’re empowered to take action and improve your health and happiness. And remember, it’s not only about drinking water. You can eat your water in the form of high-water-content foods that are refreshing and nutritious. Think cucumber, celery, tomatoes, and radishes. Without further ado, here are some of the amazing benefits of staying hydrated.

Lower Blood Pressure

Drinking enough water is one of the easiest ways to naturally lower your blood pressure. For some people, this can mean avoiding blood pressure medication. You have to take those pills with water anyway, so why not focus on staying hydrated and improve your chances of not needing a prescription.

Less Fatigue

Fatigue is often the result of overworked muscles and lack of water in the body. This triggers all of your systems, including your brain, to become sluggish. Having a glass of water can add some pep and have you feeling more energized almost instantly. That’s more energy for fun, exercise, intimacy and all of the things you love to do!

Better Mood

This is one my favorite benefits because it significantly impacts your ability to enjoy your life. Depression is linked to chronic dehydration, especially in relation to the production and metabolism of serotonin, tryptophan and essential amino acids in the body and brain. Staying hydrated actually improves your mood. The better your mood, the more you enjoy the things and people around you. You enjoy greater success (happiness is motivating). Life becomes more fulfilling. All this from drinking the right amount of water? Not too shabby.

Fewer Signs of Aging

Our organs require copious amounts of water to function properly. The longer we stay dehydrated, the harder our bodies have to work – right down to our cells. This means that we age faster. Proper hydration keeps you looking, feeling and acting younger!

Beautiful Skin

With proper hydration, your skin takes on that glowing, youthful look that many people spend a lot of money to get. Without enough water, skin loses elasticity, retains toxins and becomes irritated. Consistently hydrating helps bring your inner beauty to the surface.

This is a pretty impressive list of benefits from something as simple as drinking the right amount of water. Simple, but important. Proper hydration makes you healthy and beautiful from the inside out. The best part? It’s such an easy way to add better health and more joy to your life! Take this next step to being your very own Health Hero, one sip at a time! Make healthy living a part of every day.

The light in me honors the light in you.

Namaste.

Dr. Nandi

Partha's Prescriptions

• Find the sweet spot. Aim for 64 to 96 ounces of water a day. I don’t recommend more than 128 fluid ounces. This is too much, and it can cause low sodium concentration and neural damage.
• Be consistent. Proper hydration is important all year round, not only when the weather heats up. Be consistent, and you’ll reap the benefits all year long.
• Recognize dehydration. Your body lets you know when it needs water. Look out for intense thirst, decreased urination, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness and even confusion. For infants and young children, look for a dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, irritability, a dry diaper for over three hours and sunken eyes.

Find this and other health-promoting articles by Dr. Partha Nandi on his website, Ask Dr. Nandi.