What happens to my body when I drink more water?

We all know that drinking water is good for us, but have you ever stopped to think about what actually happens inside your body when you start to drink more of it? The changes can be profound, impacting everything from your energy levels to your skin health. At the Australian Relief Organisation (ARO), our work is built on the understanding that clean water is the foundation of a healthy life. We’ve witnessed the transformative power of water in the more than 30 countries where we operate, bringing clean water to over 1 million people through 205+ projects.

This article delves into the science behind hydration, exploring the remarkable ways your body responds when you give it the water it needs. By understanding these benefits, we can better appreciate why our mission to provide clean water is so critical for communities in places like Tanzania, Cambodia, and beyond.

1. Your Brain Function Improves

Your brain is about 75% water, so it’s no surprise that hydration has a direct impact on its function. When you drink enough water, you can expect to experience:

• Improved Concentration and Focus: Dehydration can impair your attention span and short-term memory. Staying hydrated helps you to stay sharp and focused throughout the day.
• Reduced Headaches: As we explored in our previous post, Signs You’re Not Drinking Enough Water, dehydration is a common cause of headaches. Drinking more water can help to prevent them.
• Enhanced Mood: Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can negatively affect your mood. Staying hydrated can help you to feel more positive and balanced.

ARO’s Impact on Education: In the communities we serve, access to clean water is a game-changer for education. When children are properly hydrated, they can concentrate in school, learn more effectively, and have a better chance of reaching their full potential. Our water wells are not just providing a drink; they are fueling the minds of the next generation. In a rural school in Pakistan, we saw a significant improvement in attendance and academic performance after we installed a new well. The teachers told us that the children were more alert and engaged in class, and they were no longer missing school due to waterborne illnesses.

2. Your Energy Levels Increase

Feeling tired? Instead of reaching for a sugary drink, try a glass of water. Dehydration can cause your metabolism to slow down, leaving you feeling sluggish and fatigued. Drinking more water helps your body to function more efficiently, leading to a natural boost in energy.

Water is essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary source of energy for your cells. When you’re dehydrated, your body produces less ATP, which can leave you feeling tired and weak. Drinking more water can help to boost your ATP production, giving you more energy to get through your day.

Clean Water and Livelihoods: For the communities we work with in countries like Malawi and Pakistan, this increased energy is vital. It means farmers can tend to their crops, parents can work to support their families, and communities can thrive. A simple water pump can be the engine of economic development. We have seen this firsthand in a farming community in Tanzania, where a new irrigation system, fed by a nearby ARO well, has enabled farmers to grow more crops and increase their income.

3. Your Skin Becomes Clearer and Healthier

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it relies on water to stay healthy and resilient. When you drink more water, you can expect to see:

• Improved Skin Hydration: Water helps to plump up your skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Fewer Blemishes: Drinking water can help to flush toxins from your body, which can lead to clearer, healthier skin.
• A Healthy Glow: Proper hydration improves blood flow to your skin, giving you a healthy, radiant complexion.

4. Your Digestive System Functions More Smoothly

Water is essential for a healthy digestive system. It helps to break down food, absorb nutrients, and prevent constipation. If you suffer from digestive issues, drinking more water could be a simple and effective solution.

Water helps to keep your digestive tract lubricated, which allows food to pass through it more easily. It also helps to soften your stool, making it easier to pass. Drinking enough water can help to prevent a variety of digestive problems, including constipation, indigestion, and heartburn.

Water and Sanitation: In many of the areas where ARO works, the lack of clean water is compounded by poor sanitation. This can lead to the spread of diseases that cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. Our projects often include hygiene education and the construction of latrines, providing a comprehensive solution to these challenges. This integrated approach is crucial for breaking the cycle of disease and poverty.

5. Your Kidneys Work More Efficiently

Your kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from your blood and excreting it in your urine. They rely on a steady supply of water to do their job effectively. Drinking enough water can help to prevent kidney stones and other kidney-related problems.

When you’re dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated, which can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps to dilute your urine, which makes it less likely that stones will form. It also helps your kidneys to flush out waste more effectively.

Preventing Disease: Access to clean water is fundamental to preventing a wide range of diseases. By providing communities with safe, reliable water sources, we are helping to reduce the burden on local health systems and create healthier, more resilient communities. Our work is a critical component of preventative healthcare.

6. You May Lose Weight

Drinking more water can help you to lose weight in a few different ways:

• It Boosts Your Metabolism: As mentioned earlier, water can help to increase your metabolic rate.
• It Helps You Feel Full: Drinking a glass of water before a meal can help you to feel fuller, leading you to eat less.
• It Can Replace Sugary Drinks: Swapping sugary sodas and juices for water is a simple way to reduce your calorie intake.

How You Can Make a Difference

The benefits of drinking more water are clear. But for so many people around the world, this simple act is a luxury they can’t afford. The Australian Relief Organisation is working to change that.

Our clean water projects are not just about providing a drink; they are about transforming lives. They are about improving health, boosting education, and empowering communities to build a better future for themselves.

By supporting ARO, you can be a part of this transformation. Your donation can help us to:

• Drill a new well in a community that has never had access to clean water.
• Install a water filtration system to protect a village from waterborne diseases.
• Provide hygiene education to ensure that communities can make the most of their new water source.

Together, we can bring the life-changing gift of clean water to those who need it most.

Join ARO in the Fight for Clean Water. Donate Today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can I make sure I’m drinking enough water throughout the day?
A: There are a few simple things you can do to make sure you’re drinking enough water. Carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. Set reminders on your phone or computer to drink water. And make water your drink of choice with meals and snacks.

Q: Are there any alternatives to water for staying hydrated?
A: While water is the best choice for staying hydrated, other fluids can also help. These include milk, juice, and herbal tea. However, it’s important to be mindful of the sugar and calorie content of these drinks.

Q: How does ARO ensure the long-term sustainability of its water projects?
A: ARO is committed to the long-term sustainability of our water projects. We work closely with communities to ensure that they have the skills and resources they need to manage and maintain their own water systems. We also conduct regular follow-up visits to monitor the projects and provide support as needed. To learn more about our commitment to sustainable solutions, explore our post on the Water Treatment Process.

Q: Can I volunteer with ARO?
A: Yes, ARO welcomes volunteers who are passionate about our mission. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available, both in Australia and overseas. Please visit our website for more information.

Q: I’m concerned about the safety of my own tap water. What should I do?
A: If you have concerns about the safety of your tap water, we have a comprehensive guide that can help. Check out our blog post, Is my tap water safe to drink?, for detailed information and advice.

Related Project: Clean Water