Staying Hydrated: The Health Benefits of Drinking Water

It’s no secret that drinking plenty of water is important for good health. Unfortunately, we often minimize just how important it really is, especially since the human body is made up of 60% water. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the brain and heart, the lungs, and the kidneys and muscles are composed of 73%, 83%, and 79% water, respectively.

All that water is responsible for a number of critical functions, including:

  • Acting as a shock absorber in the brain and spinal cord
  • Creating saliva and tears
  • Delivering oxygen throughout the body
  • Keeping mucous membranes moist
  • Lubricating joints
  • Providing cells with hydration needed for their reproduction and survival
  • Regulating body temperature through sweat
  • Removing waste products from the body (29)