We all know that being dehydrated puts more stress on your body's everyday functions, but did you know that it also increases your risk of heart attack? A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that men who consumed five or more glasses of water each day had a 54% lower risk of a fatal heart attack then those who drank less. Women who drank five or more glasses of water were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack.
But staying hydrated doesn't just mean consuming liquids. When researchers from the same study included the consumption of coffee, tea, juice, milk and alcohol, women's risk of fatal heart attack doubled. Men who consumed primarily liquids other than water had an increase of 46%. Water is so unique because it's able to be absorbed into the blood stream quickly, unlike sodas or juices which elevate your blood viscosity. It acts as a blood thinner, allowing for fewer clots and an easy commute through the arteries.
You're not worried about heart attacks? What about weight gain, pronounced wrinkles or bad breath? Water contributes to just about every single metabolic process in your body. So do your heart and the other 83% of your body that consists of water a favor. Aim to follow the eight-glasses-a-day rule or even better, divide your body weight by two and consume this number in ounces. Your ticker will thank you!
