When it comes to aging gracefully, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Anti-aging creams and serums that promise a youthful appearance, but they don’t always work. Or, it’s possible that these products are effective, but you aren’t doing the extra steps to maximize the anti-aging efforts. According to experts, though, the answer to a more youthful glow over the years flows freely from your faucet.
Water, believe it or not, is incredibly effective at helping you age with ease. Not only does it work to transport nutrients to cells, but it also regulates body temperature and lubricates the joints. A person who consumes plenty of water tends to be more alkaline, wrinkle-free, and free of toxins. Additionally, water helps to improve skin elasticity and even support memory function, an integral aspect of health in old age.
Get a glass of water first thing in the morning, before you eat anything and before you drink another beverage. Older adults are more prone to dehydration, so experts believe that drinking more water may support healthy aging. Continue reading to learn more about how increasing your water intake, especially in the morning, can help you age gracefully.
Reduces Wrinkles
It doesn’t need to be said, but we’ll say it anyway: Water hydrates the body. In doing so, you can help maintain skin elasticity, which may reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, and wrinkles. As you grow older, these signs are more noticeable, so drinking more water may help you fight back. Additionally, water works to remove toxins from the body, helping you clear up pores on the epidermis.
Supports Memory Function
The more you tax the body, the more the body’s organs have to work. If your heart, liver, kidneys, and more have to work harder, it has a taxing effect on the brain. Failure to drink a sufficient amount of water means that the body cannot flush out urea, which can lead to cognitive issues like disorientation and confusion. Starting your day with water helps to get the body out of a dehydrated state. In fact, sipping water first thing in the morning has been associated with better short- and long-term memory.
Contributes To Healthier Skin
Many studies indicate that increasing your water intake can improve the appearance and health of the skin. The skin contains about 30% water, which works to keep it plump and resilient. A study from 2015 found that drinking more water has a positive effect on the skin’s physiology. It helped the skin appear youthful and more hydrated, especially in people who typically drank less water. Another study from 2018 found that drinking more water improved the hydration of the skin’s outer layer. Researchers noted that sufficient water intake may not offset the effects that the environment, genetics, and sun have on the skin.
Protects Your Heart
A recent 2021 study was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2021. Researchers of the study concluded that sufficient hydration may delay or help changes in the heart that contribute to heart failure. The body cannot operate efficiently if it does not get the nutrients it needs. This is especially true for water. It stands to reason, then, that staying hydrated improves the health of your ticker.
Improves pH Balance
The pH of any substance ranges from 0-14, with 0 being extremely acidic and 14 being very basic. A pH value of 7 is considered neutral, and that is the exact pH value of pure water. Alkaline water has a higher pH, typically ranging from 8.5-9.5, or somewhere in that neighborhood. Increasing your water intake helps your skin maintain a healthy pH balance. A balanced pH level in the skin helps you avoid early signs of aging.
Removes Toxins
If you fail to drink water, toxins like urea accumulate in the body. According to researchers, excess urea can interfere with regular bodily functions. Additionally, urea may negatively affect your electrolyte balance. As you can see, this damaging domino effect that stems from electrolyte imbalance can result in delirium, which causes the person to experience severe confusion. This chain reaction can lead to urinary tract infections and more. Drink water to stabilize electrolyte levels and to flush out your bladder.
