Fact 9: Drink Up!
Water is essential for almost every function in our body, and digestion is no exception. Proper hydration ensures that the food we consume can move efficiently through the intestines. When we’re dehydrated, our body absorbs more water from the food we consume, leading to hard and dry stools, a typical precursor to constipation.
Our kidneys play a vital role in maintaining fluid balance. When we don’t consume adequate water, kidneys retain more fluids, reducing the amount available for other functions, including digestion. This fluid retention impacts bowel movement regularity, often resulting in constipation. A consistent intake of water can counteract this, ensuring our kidneys release necessary fluids to aid in digestion.
While the “eight glasses a day” mantra is well-known, individual hydration needs can vary based on several factors. Age, climate, physical activity levels, and individual health conditions can all influence the amount of water one needs. For instance, if you’re engaged in strenuous exercise or residing in a hot climate, your water requirements will increase due to excessive sweating. (9)
