Benefits of Drinking Water

Posted by: BeneFIT Corporate Wellness
Date: July 20, 2015

Why is water so important? Water is essential to maintaining good health, as nearly every system in the body requires it to function properly. Throughout the course of a day, individuals lose water through normal activity—even the act of exhaling causes very small amounts of water loss.

The Mayo Clinic points out eight positive effects of staying hydrated:

• Regulating body temperature
• Lubricating joints
• Flushing out waste products
• Carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells
• Helping dissolve minerals and other nutrients to make them accessible to the body
• Preventing constipation
• Protecting body organs
• Moistening tissues such as those around the mouth, eyes and nose

These benefits can extend easily into areas that improve overall work performance. Take, for instance, some of the most common warning signs for dehydration: Elevated pulse rate, increased perception of effort, headaches and muscle fatigue. Any combination of these warnings can prove a powerful distraction to a person’s focus and overall edge.

• Employers should consider installing a water purification system or water cooler, which encourages employees to replenish throughout the day, including around meals and snacks.
• Employees, on the other hand, can keep a bottle of water close at hand wherever they might be—in the car, at their desk or in a meeting.

How much water should you drink daily?
Your daily amount of water necessary depends on factors such as age, weight, gender, even geographic location.

While each person’s daily needs vary, the Institute of Medicine advises that men and women try to consume about 3.7 and 2.7 liters of water a day, respectively, including water found in food and other beverages. That equates to roughly 16 cups of water for men and 11 cups of water for women.

These are average numbers and may not take into consideration individual needs. For instance, those who work outdoors during summer heat waves or winter blizzards will face fluctuations in body temperature. In order to combat dehydration, it’s important to replenish lost fluids more often.

For more information on wellness programs and services designed to keep your employees healthy, please contact us.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for your general knowledge and does not replace the advice of a physician. All medical inquiries regarding your health should be presented to a physician.