In our daily lives, we often hear: “Remember to drink water”, “Hydrate well”, or “You need 2 L of water a day”... But do we really know what's behind this advice?
Much more than a simple reflex, hydration holds secrets capable of transforming our health, our mood and even the quality of our days.
I'd like to share a personal anecdote with you: when I was a student, I knew a sports teammate who systematically forgot his water bottle.
One day, during a soccer training session in the blazing sun, he collapsed. Afterwards, the doctor explained that even slight dehydration could lead to drops in blood pressure.
That's when I really understood how crucial hydration is.
In this article, let's dive into the 7 hidden benefits of hydration together, and I guarantee that number 5 might surprise you...
(Estimated reading time: 10-12 minutes)
Introduction and reminder of the importance of hydration
Before getting to the heart of the matter, it's essential to go back to basics: why is it so important to drink enough water?
To give you an idea, our bodies are made up of around 60% water.
This water acts like an “express shuttle” that circulates everywhere, transporting nutrients, oxygen and hormones, while regulating our body temperature.
Without a sufficient supply of water, it's a bit like trying to keep a car engine running with too little oil.
Anecdote: In ancient times, the Greeks considered water to be one of the four fundamental elements (along with earth, air and fire).
They weren't wrong: without it, no life or bodily function can survive.
There are many opportunities to lose water: perspiration, breathing, elimination. And when the body is even slightly lacking in water, you may experience widespread fatigue, headaches or difficulty concentrating.
In short, sensible drinking is an invaluable ally for your well-being.
In the following sections, you'll discover how water supports your brain, your mood, your joints and much more.
Find out more:
Mayo Clinic - Tips on the right amount of water.
The 7 hidden benefits of hydration
1. water keeps your brain in tip-top shape
Have you ever wondered why, in the office, you sometimes end up having a mid-afternoon nose dive?
A glass of water can make all the difference.
Improved concentration:
Studies show that even mild dehydration (1-2% water loss) can impair concentration and short-term memory.
Drinking regularly acts as a “booster” for mental clarity.
Less cognitive fatigue: The brain is made up of around 73% water.
When the brain lacks fluids, all your productivity takes a hit.
Stress management: In tense situations, our brain cells need water all the more to deliver the energy and nutrients they need.
To remember: Next time you're feeling peckish at 4pm, try a glass of water. It's often a small gesture with a big effect.
Find out more:
National library of medecine - Studies on the impact of dehydration on cognitive performance.
On YouTube, the Huberman Lab channel occasionally features videos on hydration and the brain.
2. smooth, comfortable digestion
When I was a child, my grandmother used to say to me: “Drink water, it helps everything to pass better”.
At the time, I thought it was a banal injunction. Today, I know it's wise advice.
Preventing constipation: Water hydrates stools and facilitates their evacuation.
If you eat fiber (whole grains, fruit, vegetables), it needs water to swell and do its job properly.
Support for digestive juices: Our glands (salivary, gastric, intestinal) produce enzyme-rich fluids for digestion.
When there's a lack of water, these secretions are reduced, making digestion less efficient.
Elimination of toxins: the kidneys, which continuously filter our blood, need water to evacuate waste via urine.
Less water means more retained toxins!
Health tip:
A glass of water 30 minutes before a meal prepares the stomach to receive food. It's a simple little ritual that I've adopted and which, personally, makes a big difference to my digestive comfort.
3. better cardiovascular health
We rarely associate the heart with water, yet they are intimately linked.
Blood pressure regulation: When you lack water, your blood volume decreases. As a result, your heart compensates by pumping harder, which can eventually tire it out.
Blood fluidity: Water makes blood less viscous.
More fluid blood circulates more easily, feeding every corner of the body with less effort.
Support for renal function: The kidneys and heart work in synergy.
By filtering better (thanks to water), the kidneys lighten the overall load on the cardiovascular system.
Did you know? Epidemiological studies show that people who hydrate regularly (and consume fewer sugary drinks) have a lower risk of hypertension after several years.
4. water, an unsuspected slimming ally
A few years ago, a friend of mine who was trying to lose weight told me he'd simply swapped his sodas for water.
He lost almost 5 kg in 6 months, with no other major changes.
The reason? Water replaces empty calories and promotes a feeling of satiety.
Appetite-suppressant effect: A glass of water before and during meals can help you eat less, because you'll feel full sooner.
Fewer “liquid” calories: industrial juices, soft drinks and other sugary beverages are real calorie bombs. Water, on the other hand, contains zero calories.
Boosts metabolism: Drinking cold water may even slightly increase resting energy expenditure (thermogenesis).
For variety: Add a few slices of lemon, cucumber or mint leaves for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.
5. a positive influence on mood and sleep
Here's perhaps the most discreet but potentially surprising benefit: our emotional balance may be linked to our hydration levels.
Less irritability: have you ever noticed that you're more nervous or anxious when you're thirsty?
Adequate water intake can help stabilize your mood.
Better quality sleep: Drinking moderately (but not too late in the evening) helps maintain an ideal body temperature at night, which in some people can make it easier to fall asleep.
Effect on neurotransmitters: Preliminary research suggests that dehydration may affect the production of serotonin and dopamine, the “messengers” of our well-being.
Zen tip: When you're at work, instead of reaching for a coffee as soon as the stress mounts, have a large glass of water first. Give yourself a little break (even a symbolic one) to breathe and hydrate your neurons.
To find out more
Dr. Mike” YouTube channel - Occasionally tackles the subject of hydration and its effects on body and mind.
6. a beauty asset for radiant skin
There's an old saying: “Beauty comes from within”.
This is particularly true for the skin: its radiance depends largely on your body's hydration.
I saw this with a friend of mine: when she increased her water intake, her complexion became fresher and brighter, without her having to change anything in her cosmetic routine.
Elasticity: Water keeps skin supple.
Without it, skin tissue tends to slacken and become marked more quickly (wrinkles, fine lines).
Radiance: Well-moisturized skin reflects light more effectively and removes dead cells more easily, resulting in a more even complexion.
Complementing external skin care products: Creams and lotions are not enough if your body lacks water. Skin hydration is a duo: inside + out.
A word of warning: Drinking water does not solve severe skin problems (acne, eczema, etc.), but it does provide basic support. Consult a dermatologist for further advice.
7. stronger joints and muscles
To close this list, let's talk about what keeps us moving, running and living: our joints and muscles.
Joint lubrication: Cartilage is filled with water, enabling it to better withstand friction.
Poor hydration can make movement painful in the long term.
Fewer cramps: Athletes know: training dehydrated increases the risk of cramps and aches.
Faster recovery: After exercise, drinking water helps eliminate metabolic waste products (such as lactic acid), making recovery faster and more comfortable.
How can I make the most of these benefits on a daily basis?
At this point, you may be thinking, “All right, now I know the treasures of hydration, but how do I actually go about it?” Here are a few easy steps you can take:
- Create a hydration ritual
Place a flask or glass of water by your side (office, living room, car).
Set reminders via an app or alarm so you don't forget to drink.
- Vary the pleasures
Alternate still water, sparkling water (without excess), herbal teas and light teas.
Add fruit or aromatic herbs to your water to make it more appealing.
- Listen to your body
Don't rely solely on the sensation of thirst. Keep an eye on the color of your urine: the clearer it is, the better.
Avoid over-consumption (several liters at a time), which can be problematic (hyponatremia).
- Adapt your consumption to your activities
Sportsmen and women, remember to drink before, during and after exercise.
Exposed to the heat? Increase the frequency with which you drink.
- Limit dehydrating drinks
Coffee, alcohol and sugary soft drinks are no substitute for water: in fact, they can exacerbate dehydration.
- Consult a doctor if you have special needs
If you have a particular medical condition (water retention, kidney failure, etc.), seek professional advice.
Conclusion
When you realize the vital role of water, you realize that hydration isn't just a matter of routine or medical necessity.
It's a major wellness lever, impacting our physical health, our morale, our skin, our muscular recovery, and much more.
Through this 7-step journey, you've discovered just how important water can be beyond simply preventing thirst.
Take the time to pay attention to what you drink: quality, quantity, regularity.
The more you listen to your body, the more you'll reap the hidden benefits.
And who knows, maybe you'll be the next person to tell how, thanks to hydration, you've gained in energy, serenity or sporting performance.
Last but not least: don't hesitate to share this article with others.
Simple gestures are sometimes the most effective in changing the lives of those around us.
To learn more about hydration, feel free to read these articles: