Health experts stress how crucial it is to stay hydrated every day. They point out many good reasons to drink water. It helps keep our body temperature right, keeps our joints working well, and protects our soft tissues. Also, water helps our body get rid of waste. Without enough water, we risk becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can make us feel moody, not think clearly, and mess up how our body works.
They also urge us to prefer water to sugary drinks. Water is a great choice because it has no calories. This makes it perfect for people trying to watch their weight but still need to stay hydrated. Besides, switching to water lowers the chances of getting kidney stones. It also helps our body work better in general1.
We all need different amounts of water based on things like our age, if we’re male or female, if we’re pregnant, how active we are, or if we’re breastfeeding. So, it’s clear why drinking enough water is so important1. If it’s hot outside, we’re moving a lot, we’re sick, or our stomach feels off, we need even more water. People who care about their health gain a lot by choosing water instead of sweet drinks.
Health Benefits of Drinking Water
Water is key for our body’s health, helping keep everything running smoothly. It’s better than sugary drinks for many reasons. Water keeps our tissues healthy, helps us stay at a good weight, and makes our brains work better.
Hydration and Body Functions
Our body needs water to stay cool, get rid of waste, and work properly. How much water we should drink each day depends on things like how old we are, if we’re male or female, and how active we are. Doctors say we should drink between 6 and 13 cups a day. But remember, drinks with lots of sugar aren’t as good for us. They won’t keep us hydrated well and can even hurt our health23.
Weight Management
Choosing water over sugary drinks can help us stay slim. Water doesn’t have calories, unlike sugary drinks. Having one sugary drink every day without cutting calories elsewhere could make us gain up to 15 pounds in a year. Plus, sugar in these drinks can mess with our health, increasing our chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, or having a stroke2.
Improved Cognitive Function
Drinking enough water can make our brains work better. Dehydration can make it hard to think clearly and can put us in a bad mood. Water is great for keeping us focused and alert. But if we drink too many sugary drinks, we might feel tired and not think as well. So, it’s clear that water is the best choice for our minds and our bodies.
Dangers of Sugary Drinks
Drinking a lot of sugary drinks can be really bad for your health. There’s so much proof that we should really think about drinking less of them.
Weight Gain and Obesity
Sugary drinks are really linked to gaining weight and becoming obese. Just one 12-ounce can of them daily can add up to 15 pounds a year2. Nearly half of adults in the U.S. drink soda every day, which adds up to a lot of extra weight4. Think about it, a can of soda has about 9 teaspoons of sugar, adding too many calories to your diet2
Risk of Chronic Diseases
Drinking these beverages often can raise the risk of chronic diseases. People who drink them a lot are more likely to get type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancers related to obesity25. Having a daily soda can increase heart disease risk by 19 percent4. And drinking them also raises the chances of getting kidney disease, fatty liver disease, and gout2.
Dental Health Issues
Sugary drinks are not good for your teeth either. They can cause cavities and tooth decay, leading to bad oral health2. Shockingly, 30% of Americans over 2 eat way too much sugar, more than 15% of their daily calories5. This extra sugar in our diet makes cavities and other dental problems more common5.
We need to work on making sugary drinks less common and easy to find. This can really help lower the risks and health problems they cause.
Why You Should Choose Water Over Sugary Drinks
Choosing water over sugary drinks is a smart move. Sugary drinks are everywhere, making it easy to drink them often2. Drinking a 12-ounce can daily without cutting other calories can add 15 pounds to your weight yearly2. Plus, they’re linked to tooth decay, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers2.
Water, on the other hand, has many benefits. It has no calories, which is good for managing weight and health1. By drinking enough water, your body can stay at the right temperature, clear out waste, and work smoothly1. It’s a simple switch that can bring big health improvements and save you money2.
Sugary drinks are packed with sugar, like a 12-ounce soda with 39 grams, more than the daily recommended limit2. The American Heart Association advises children to have less than 24 grams, while women should stay under 24 grams, and men under 36 grams a day2. Drinking them may feel good for a moment, but it comes with big health risks. That’s why picking water is so important.
Choosing water instead of sugary drinks is a powerful health choice. It helps with weight, lowers disease risks, and boosts your overall health23. Making water your main drink means choosing a healthier life in the long run.
Tips to Increase Water Intake
Drinking enough water is key to staying healthy. If you find it hard, there are a few easy tips to help you drink more. These tricks highlight why water is better than sugary drinks and show you how to make the switch.
Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
A great way to drink more is to always have water with you. A cool or useful water bottle makes this easier. It’s a reminder to sip water all day and a fun accessory to keep you going.
Flavor Your Water
Plain water not your thing? Try adding natural flavors. Drop in some fruits, herbs, or veggies to make water tastier. It’s a great way to make hydration fun and up your daily water intake6.
Set Reminders to Drink Water
Forgetting to drink water? Use your phone or an alarm to remind you. These little checks can keep you on top of your hydration. They help make sure you drink 90 to 125 ounces a day like you should6.
Wanna learn more about staying hydrated? Hit up this awesome guide.
FAQ
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Source Links
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/water-healthy-drinks/index.html
- https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/sugary_beverages/
- https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/good-food/why-its-important-for-you-to-drink-water-and-stay-hydrated/2022/07
- https://www.southcoasthealth.com/posts/view/227-why-you-should-always-reach-for-water-dangers-sugary-drinks
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/rethink-your-drink/index.html
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-drink-more-water
