The Water Drop: January 12, 2018

Posted
TORRINGTON – We are all aware that drinking more water during the summer months is extremely important. But, did you know that drinking sufficient quantities of water during the cold winter months is almost equally essential? It’s usually not too hard to get the amount of water you need in the summertime – but in the wintertime, it can be a little more difficult. Drinking enough water is a habit you should practice year round, so why not start this winter? 
10 reasons to drink more water:
1.  Healthier and brighter skin--Dehydrated skin has a dull, scaly appearance that can be avoided by consuming plenty of water each day. The harsh, cold winter air can chap our skin and the dry air from the heaters in our homes can dehydrate and further dull our complexions.
2.  Better Digestion-- Nobody wants to deal with digestion issues. Consuming plenty of water each day helps our bodies digest the food we eat much more easily. Luckily, drinking enough water adds fluids to the colon which helps make things, ahem, move smoothly.
3.  Energy--Did you know that the number one cause of daytime fatigue is dehydration? If you are one of those people who must have a caffeine blast mid-day, you just might be dehydrated. Without ample amounts of water, our bodily functions slow down and use up extra energy.
4.  Fight Weight Gain-- Many times, our brains misinterpret thirst for hunger, causing us to eat unnecessarily. If you feel hungry shortly after a meal, perhaps you should try drinking a tall glass of water before grabbing a snack.
5.  Detox--Drinking water helps push impurities and waste through our bodies in order to keep us healthy and energized. As one of the best reasons to drink more water, this is especially important during the winter months when we have a tendency to be more sedentary.
6.  Breathing--Water plays its role in distributing oxygen all over the human body while collecting the carbon dioxide from all these parts and dissolving these gases.
7.  Water Loss--Just because you don’t sweat as much during the winter months as you do during the summer does not mean that your body isn’t losing water. You can see it escaping…it’s the steam that comes out of your mouth when you’re outside in the freezing cold air.
8.  Prevents Cramps & Sprains--Proper hydration helps keep joints lubricated and muscles more elastic so joint pain is less likely.
9.  Kidney function--Our kidneys process 200 quarts of blood daily, sifting out waste and transporting urine to the bladder. Yet, kidneys need enough fluids to clear away what we don’t need in the body. 
10. Puts You In A Good Mood--When the body is functioning at its best, you will feel great and be happy!
Don’t let the cold weather fool you, and don’t eliminate drinking water. Water is a key component that supports our physical function and boosts our sense of freshness and vitality all year round. This winter, make the best choice for your health and do not forget to drink the recommended daily quantity of water. The recommended quantity can vary depending on your weight and height, but 8 glasses of water daily is the minimum daily quantity which helps you stay healthy and fit during the winter. Milk may do a body good but water does the
body better.