Drink Water - Improve Digestion, Lose Weight, Think Clearly

When you think of ways to achieve incredible glowing, radiant skin, great self-care rituals and excellent health, your thoughts may go to fancy face creams and expensive flax filled smoothies. However, the most basic thing we can do to achieve all of these things, is also the most inexpensive. 

Drink.

Your. 

Water. 

Everyone preaches this message, and it’s because it’s true! I’ve never seen anyone advertising people to drink less water. But why exactly should we be swapping our iced vanilla lattes for iced lemon waters?

Here are three important reasons:

DIGESTION: We’re hearing more and more about how our digestion may be a big player in weight management. Our guts are filled with mysterious good bacteria, but we don’t know enough about the gut flora yet. BUT, we do know that drinking water helps break down nutrients in the stomach, helping them be absorbed into the body. Water also gets rid of toxins in the body, helping keep you free of sickness. Water is also a natural stool softener, keeping you regular and your colon healthy (your other organs like the colon, they want your colon to be happy).

WEIGHT LOSS: The cells in your body need water to function. When you keep your body hydrated, your body is able to perform better. This means better workouts, better digestion, and better fat burning. Water also helps keep you full and satisfied, meaning your brain isn’t stuck on food when your stomach is full and content! Studies show that people who drink more water tend to lose weight and keep it off more consistently than those who drink less water.

(For more weight loss support, take this quiz!)

BRAIN POWER: Speaking of the brain, you need water to keep yourself mentally sharp throughout the day. Your brain uses A LOT of water in order to function, and when it doesn’t get enough water, things start to slow down. Dehydration can cause that dreaded mental fog, as well as headaches and feelings of low energy. Your mood also may swing more if you’re dehydrated, which is no fun for you or those around you. If you want to feel sharp throughout the day, energized, and help stabilize your mood, drinking water is basically your brain doing yoga. 

Now, I know what you may be thinking...

Don't like the flavor of water? Boring without flavor?

Wondering if your coffee counts as water? (spoiler alert: caffeinated coffee does not count towards your fluid goal for the day).

Tips for increasing fluids (I recommend 64 ounces/day or more):

- Infuse water with lemon, other fruit and herbs for added, natural flavor (try True Lemon, Hint water or Twinings cold infuse)

- Try other calorie free fluids including Water Drops, Crystal Light Pure, or Nuun Tablets, decaf tea, herbal tea, coffee

- Add Zevia, Ice, Topo Chico or similar flavored, carbonated water when you're looking for something a little more exciting!

Are you thirsty yet?

What’s your favorite way to drink water?