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What are the benefits of drinking six to eight glasses of water per day?

Bob Greene
Bob Greene on behalf of The Best Life
Physiology
answer
Let’s talk about the weight loss perks first. People who drink an average of 6½ cups of water each day consume 200 fewer calories a day, according to research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Do the math: That's a loss of about 20 pounds a year. Experts aren't sure if the water itself helps quell appetite, but what is clear is that water-drinkers are healthier overall. They tend to have better eating habits and they drink less soda. Not to mention, drinking water can be distracting -- you might be less likely to reach for chips if you have a tall glass of H2O in hand. In fact, many nutrition experts recommend drinking water when a craving first hits to delay -- and potentially even prevent -- an overeating episode. It's a good idea in general to hydrate whenever you feel the urge to eat just to make sure you're not confusing hunger for thirst.

Staying hydrated helps with weight loss in other ways, too. Water is necessary for all physiological processes, including digestion and calorie-burning. Water can even help make your workouts a little easier. When you exercise, your muscles actually hold onto water. If you're not adequately hydrated, you're preventing your muscles from operating at full capacity. Plus, you're much more likely to feel fatigued when you're thirsty, which may lead you to shorten or skip your workouts.
 
Water is good for your overall health as well. Studies show that drinking water can help ward off certain cancers, like bladder and kidney cancers. Drinking regularly helps dilute toxins and flushes them from your system, thus, reducing the amount of time they're in your body. And if you're consuming more fiber-rich foods, like fruit, veggies and whole grains, drinking a lot of water can help prevent constipation. Not to mention, all that hydration keeps your skin looking great, too!
 
Todd Townes - Sharecare Fitness Expert
Todd Townes - Sharecare Fitness Expert on behalf of Sharecare Fitness
Fitness
answer
Here are a couple of benefits from drinking water that may come as a surprise to you. Drinking water revs up your metabolism, is Ultimate Anti-Aging Ingredient, and is amazing fuel to the body.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.