Hydration: Why proper hydration is important for digestion ?

For a healthy digestive system, to maintain our fitness, and to lose those extra inches from the waist, we constantly consider what to eat and what not to consume. We sometimes complicate things by focusing on several diet regimens, and not getting the desired output upsets us.

But there’s something much less complex and more essential to sustaining your digestive system rushing effortlessly, and that is water. Isn’t drinking water seems like a matter of common sense?

Usually, most of us drink water to quench our thirst and overlook how much water we must ingest, when not to drink, or how to drink water. And things start to get complicated when you face digestive issues.

Hence this is not as simple as it sounds because water is more than this.

So let’s plunge into the water to learn how it benefits our bodies and helps us to get a Happy Tummy feeling…

What is Hydration?

Let’s first get some science clear to understand the vital role of water for our body!

Although we frequently hear phrases like “stay hydrated” and “body dehydration,” we rarely know what they mean or how they affect our bodies.

Hydration is the body’s ability to absorb fluid which is affected by the amount of readily available water.

Every cell, tissue, and organ needs fluid to carry out tasks, including regulating body temperature, removing waste, and lubricating joints ^[1].

Through several processes like breathing and peeing, your bodies lose water, and providing those lost water to the body becomes essential.

Hydration and Digestion

If you’re one of those fitness freaks, maintaining a healthy digestive system is more important than anything else. This renewed interest in digestive health concerns the importance of hydration.

So, for obvious reasons, you should drink a lot of water to keep your digestive system healthy and happy because every step of the digestive process involves water.

Digestion starts when the food is in the mouth, as water helps the saliva chew the food and move to the stomach.

The food subsequently passes through your gut and is followed by the discharge of watery gastric secretions. The liquids’ enzymes also start to break down the proteins and carbs in your food, preparing it for transit to the small intestine, where most digestion occurs.

Water aids in the digestion of your food and relieves constipation ^[2].

Hydration for Happy Tummy

Your body absorbs and utilizes the water you drink to maintain physical functioning. As the calories in the water are needed to fuel these procedures, your body has no additional energy left to store as fat.

This is why drinking plenty of water can help with weight loss efforts: if you’re sipping on water instead of downing soda or juice ^[3].

Yet, another factor makes drinking more fluids beneficial for weight loss.

Drinks containing sugar and artificial sweeteners have more calories than plain water and make you feel hungrier, making you crave additional snacks later.

But since water has no flavor and offers no gratification apart from being refreshing, it won’t give you the urge to eat again and again.

Why is Hydration Important?

In addition, to slake your thirst, water has other benefits.

Nearly all of your body’s vital organs depend on water for their existence and proper operation, which keeps your body functioning properly and gives you a refreshed feeling.

It should come as no surprise that staying hydrated might benefit you, as water makes up roughly 60% of your body weight ^[4].

The below points explain the importance of being hydrated:

• Controls body temperature
• Moisturizes the tissues around the eyes, nose, and mouth
• Protects body organs and tissues
• Transports nutrients and oxygen to cells
• Lubricates joints
• Lightens the load on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products
• Break down minerals and nutrients to make them available to your body

How to Gauge the Hydration Level in the Body?

Your body gives signals of dehydration. Certain factors raise our water needs, like exercise, hot weather, high altitude, a high-fiber diet, and increased losses from caffeine and alcohol intake. Also, adequate hydration varies from person to person.

Observing the color of your urine shortly after you wake up is a practical technique to assess hydration.

Urine that is straw or lemonade in color indicates adequate hydration.

Dark-colored urine — about the color of apple juice — indicates dehydration. That’s why it’s essential to refuel your body’s water intake with food and drinks that have water.

Water Habits

Though some beverages might help you improve your fluid consumption, water is vital, and developing healthy water habits isn’t difficult.

You can try some of the suggestions mentioned below, and it will soon become a regular part of your day:

• Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up, even before coffee.
• Always keep a water bottle with you.
• Create goals for yourself.
• Avoid sugary beverages to avoid unneeded calories.

Don’t forget

Drinking enough water assist in breaking down meals and aid in nutritional absorption, resulting in better digestion. Dehydration causes digestive issues like bloating or constipation.

Water also serves as a lubricant for the body’s parts, making frequent water consumption the most incredible way to stay hydrated. You can also eat foods containing water and fresh fruit juices.

So don’t forget to carry a water bottle when you are out or visit your pot in the kitchen repetitively at home to keep your thirst at bay and give your digestive system the kick it requires.

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