The 22^nd of March is World Water Day, and so what better time is there to discuss the importance of water when it comes to our health and well-being.

Many people in the world go without this simple necessity that we tend to take for granted. So it’s time to make the most of it, and truly appreciate it for what it’s worth. If this article does one thing, I’d like it to raise awareness of the importance of water in your diet. In fact it’s guaranteed that the majority of your ailments and problems can be helped, even solved by drinking more water. After all, every system and function in our body depends on water in order to do its job properly.

There are many benefits to drinking water. Still, if you’re anything like I was, I used to drink anything but water. However, my new year’s resolution this year was to up my intake, and it’s true what they say - 2 litres of water a day helps keep the doctor away. Don’t believe me? Here are 6 problems that can be solved by drinking more water.

Excess weight

You’ve probably heard this before, but if weight is an issue for you then drinking more water can definitely help. So how important is drinking water when it comes to weight loss? Well, it boosts your metabolism, which makes you burn off calories quicker, it cleanses your body of waste and acts as an appetite suppressant. Drinking water before meals will also make you eat less, and drinking water with meals will help your body digest the food you’re putting in. Additionally, drinking more water helps your body stop retaining water, and in turn will make you drop those extra pounds. So yes, it’s pretty important.

Skin problems

It does take some time to learn that what we do to our insides, shows up on the outside, and that couldn’t more accurate when it comes to common skin complaints like spots, dark circles or eczema. We put all sorts of products on our skin to treat these issues, but this won’t do a thing if you have a poor diet and are dehydrated. If you don’t drink enough water, the toxins and bodily wastes keep on accumulating in the body and become trapped under the skin. Drinking water helps flush out these toxins and maintain a healthy, blemish-free glow. Some even say that drinking water makes you look younger. Try it, and see how drinking water affects your skin.

Headaches

Suffer from headaches? Put down the painkillers and grab a glass of water instead. One of the major causes of headaches is dehydration. So not only does drinking water help to eliminate them, staying hydrated can prevent them from ever coming in the first place.

Low energy and fatigue

Low energy and fatigue can cause all sorts of problems, including impaired vision and brain function. Fatigue is one of the first signs of dehydration. A loss of 1 or 2 percent of body water is enough to impair thinking, and full dehydration causes an imbalance in electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which aid muscles and heart function, leading you to feel all sleepy. Want the easiest, cheapest, and fastest cure for this? H2O of course!

Poor digestion & Constipation

Okay, so this is an easy one, if you find yourself always straining on the toilet, it isn’t normal – you’re constipated. A quick and easy fix for this is drinking plenty of water and other natural fluids. Water is important for digestion. It keeps the food you eat moving along through your intestines and it keeps your intestines smooth and flexible too. If you’re dehydrated, the large intestine soaks up water from your food waste, resulting in hard stools that are difficult to pass. Drink more water for a healthier and more enjoyable toilet experience.

Painful periods

The pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps can be debilitating and hard to manage for many women. So I’m not saying give up the meds, but there are some things that painkillers can’t do. One of the main causes of painful periods is water retention, especially around the stomach, which naturally happens at that time of the month. However, believe it or not, drinking water will actually decrease your chances of water retention and bloating, making periods much less painful. Why not try warm or hot water, as hot liquids also increase blood flow to the skin and tend to relax cramped muscles.

There are tonnes of reasons why you should drink water, it also helps you fight off illnesses, strengthens your immune system, and helps your kidneys do their job of flushing out the bad stuff. I could go on, but I think you get the message. Water is your friend. Make use of the one free thing we get in life that thousands don’t. And don’t forget, you can easily increase your water intake by eating water-based foods such as lettuce, celery, cucumbers and watermelon. You’ve got no excuse.