Why Water Is Essential
Most of us don’t drink nearly enough water. We often hear that hydration is “important,” but it’s easy to forget why. One of the strongest reasons to drink adequate water every day is simple: your brain depends on it.
Your brain controls everything—your thoughts, emotions, each system, and every function in your body. When we don’t drink enough water, the brain cannot operate at its highest capacity. And if the brain suffers, the entire body follows.
While there are simple formulas online to calculate individualized water needs, many people still benefit from the classic guideline of eight 8-ounce glasses per day. Just remember: caffeine is dehydrating. As I type this, I’m sipping caffeinated green tea—this isn’t about eliminating caffeine, but it is something to account for when estimating your hydration needs.
Common signs of dehydration include:
Headaches
Muscle aches or cramping
Fatigue
Difficulty focusing or concentrating
Color of your urine (dark yellow indicates a need for water, light yellow to clear is a good sign of hydration(
(These are often the symptoms clients share during sessions, sometimes without realizing dehydration may be part of the cause.)
I’ll write more in a future post about electrolytes and why they matter—especially if you’re active, sweating heavily, or experiencing deeper dehydration. For now, just know that while water is essential, sometimes the body needs additional minerals to hydrate effectively. The most important electrolytes for daily function are sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
The Benefits of Drinking Enough Water
Here are just a few of the ways water supports your body and overall wellness:
1. Your body is mostly water.
Your tissues, cells, and blood rely heavily on hydration:
The human body is 65–85% water
Blood is 94% water
The brain is roughly 85% water
Water surrounds, protects, and nourishes your cells and helps remove waste from your system.
2. It cushions and lubricates joints and tissues.
Adequate hydration supports joint health, protects the spinal cord, surrounds the eyes, and provides fluidity to muscles and soft tissues. Anyone dealing with stiffness or soreness can benefit from increasing water intake.
3. It supports a healthy heart.
When the body is dehydrated, blood thickens and becomes harder to pump. This extra strain can contribute to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues.
4. It regulates body temperature.
Water acts as a natural coolant. Sweating when we’re warm isn’t just a reaction—it’s a vital function that keeps us safe and balanced.
5. It promotes healthy, radiant skin.
Hydrated skin is naturally more supple, clear, and glowing—no expensive products required.
6. It cleanses and detoxifies the body.
Water plays a crucial role in supporting liver function and helping the body eliminate toxins efficiently.
7. It boosts energy.
Water is essential for breaking down triglycerides (fat) into usable energy. Even mild dehydration can contribute to feelings of fatigue.
8. It supports metabolism and weight balance.
Consistently drinking water can boost metabolism, curb unnecessary snacking, support fat elimination, and even help reduce soft drink intake—one small daily shift that can lead to losing up to 10 pounds per year.
A Simple Practice to Start Today
Aim for around eight 8-oz servings of water a day, or the individualized amount that fits your body and lifestyle. Try starting your morning with a glass of water before anything else. This jump-starts hydration, supports detoxification, and helps your body begin the day with clarity and energy.
Hydration is one of the simplest, most accessible wellness habits—and one of the most powerful. Your brain, body, and overall well-being will thank you.