We are all guilty at some stage in our lives of not drinking enough water. It might seem an easy thing to do, but for some people, it can almost be a chore! Drinking water and keeping hydrated has so many different benefits. What does this have to do with our feet, you might ask? Here are 7 benefits of keeping hydrated and how it affects your feet.
1. Lubricate joints
Drinking water lubricates our joints which allows us to move freely. We have 33 joints in each foot so looking after these joints is very important and it can sometimes be as simple as drinking enough water.
2. Hydrated Skin
Other benefits include keeping our skin hydrated. Drinking water decreases the chances of developing dry, flaky, cracked skin. If you are experiencing dry skin and cracked heels you should consider increasing your intake of water. This will allow your skin to hydrate, reducing dryness, and decreasing the chance of developing further issues such as sores and infections.
3. Flushing Toxins
Gout, an unpleasant painful condition caused by the build-up of excess uric acid in our joints. Uric acid can be reduced by drinking more water and eating a healthy diet. By doing this you are flushing the toxins out of your system as well as reducing gout pain.
4. Flush excess sodium in Kidneys
Edema, a condition caused by certain medical conditions can affect any part of the body, though is most commonly seen in the legs, feet, and ankles. This condition occurs when your kidneys begin to retain more sodium and water. Therefore, it is very important to drink a sufficient amount of water each day in order to flush the kidneys of excess sodium which will reduce water retention.
5. Reduce foot and leg cramps
Drinking enough water can decrease the chances of experiencing painful foot and leg cramps. If you are exercising more than usual, you are sweating more. Therefore, it is very important to keep hydrated before and after you exercise to reduce the chances of experiencing muscle cramps.
6. Strengthens nails
Are your toenails discoloured, weak and cracked? This might be a sign of fungal nail infection, but it could also be a sign that you are not getting enough water or getting enough vitamins and nutrients from your diet. Increasing your intake of water, vitamins and minerals will strengthen your nails and reduce the chances of further issues.
7. Boosts circulation
One of the biggest complications associated with diabetes is circulation. Drinking enough water each day boosts circulation which reduces the chances of developing circulation-related health problems.
The general rule of thumb is 1.5L – 2L per day. It is recommended that you sip on the water throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts in one go.