“What’s your secret?” my dermatologist always asks as he admires and examines my skin. I always giggle coquettishly because I’m 68...and he’s much younger. Of course I’ve always stayed out of the sun (I was a reader!) or slathered on the UV protection. But it was much more than that. I have beautiful skin, and my face is not heavily wrinkled. And I look young for my age.
The secret? Maybe it was because we were poor. Growing up, we never had sodas…unless occasionally when someone else was buying as a treat. Instead, the lifelong habit of drinking water was instilled. It was simple: it cooled me on a hot day and quenched my thirst. Mom’s overwhelming criteria was probably that water was free for the taking and easily available. Maybe she wasn’t even aware of water’s benefits. But today we know: It has no calories, no fat, no carbs and no sugar.
My husband often gripes when I tell him to drink more water. He feels he gets all the water he needs from food and coffee. I agree that he may get some from his fruits and veggies, but coffee and tea are diuretics and cancel out any water that has been ingested. On top of that, the sweeteners add excess calories. During the warmer times of the year when he’s more athletic, he runs the risk of dehydration. His sense of thirst doesn’t seem as sharp. Medications can be a factor, especially for the elderly, and those toxins need to be flushed out. Water even helps prevents constipation. If you’re using thirst as a guide, it’s too late. You’re probably already dehydrated.
Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, memory decline, even tension and anxiety. Think about it. The human body is 55-78% water, depending on size. Even your tissues and organs are made of water. Muscle consists of 75% water, the brain is 90%, bone consists of 22%, and the blood contains 83% water. This is why it is so important to drink enough water. Then your brain functions well, so that you’re not fatigued and headachy. If your skin is dry, creams won’t get at the root problem, while water will keep your skin moisturized and reduce lines and wrinkles. Water not only moisturizes skin, but replenishes the skin tissues and increases the elasticity in your skin. It will look fresh, soft, glowing and smooth. I know. It’s my secret. If you don’t drink enough, your body will try to retain it to conserve resources. It will then make your skin puffy or even bloated. So that all your movements are smooth and pain free, drink water to keep your joints strong and lubricated.
As far as weight control, drinking a glass of water before your meal can suppress your appetite. Water will also help your body burn stored fat. Your liver and kidneys won’t have to work so hard to metabolize it efficiently. Water also flushes toxins from your body and prevents constipation.
Keeping your body hydrated will make you feel fresh and restore energy. It helps control body temperature, especially if you’re working out. Our body absorbs water much better than any other liquid.
Drinking water can increase your cognitive function. Your brain needs lots of oxygen to function at optimum levels. With water, it gets all it needs. It even ensures that your body’s electrolyte levels remain high enough to allow your nerves to relay messages to and from the brain.
If there’s less water in the body, the heart needs to work more to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells and at the same time other major body organs become exhausted. Think about it if you’re always feeling tired.
Experts agree that every cell in your body needs water. Yet they disagree as to exactly how many glasses you should consume because of variables such as outside temperature, activity levels, and medical concerns. So there isn't one rule as to quantity that fits everybody. But water is a free solution if you’re thirsty. Try it and see for yourself whether you look and feel better. Let it be our little secret.
SueAnn Carpenter has written numerous articles for newspapers and magazines. She loves to travel. And to relax, she paints portraits of pets and captures her travels in paintings. She has a new website, www.petwatercolorist.com.