7 Benefits of Drinking a Gallon of Water a Day

Are there really any benefits of drinking a gallon of water a day? Is it too much water? How much water should you drink in a day? All important questions.

Let’s discuss these questions in more depth starting with daily water intake standards.

Daily water intake

Up to 60% of the body is made up of water. Your body needs water to function on a day to day basis, and many people are not getting enough.

Some people go with a 8×8 rule for drinking water, meaning that they will drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. The recommended daily intake is 124 ounces a day for men (15.5 cups or 3.7 liters,) and 92 ounces for women (11.5 cups or 2.7 liters.)

In some cases you may need to drink more water than usual, for example, if you are sick, if you exercise a lot, if you are pregnant, or if you live in a hot climate. In cases like these your body loses water quicker and more easily and needs to be replenished more often.

Up to 20% of our daily water needs comes in the form of food; especially if you are eating something with a high water content like fruits and vegetables. Spinach, watermelon, and cucumbers are made up of mostly water and provide an easy way up your water intake. The other 80% comes from fluids.

Many people aren’t getting the recommended daily amount of water, and this can be harmful. Your body will tell you if you are thirsty, but thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Another way to tell if you need more water if by the color of your urine. If your urine is clear or a light yellow then you are probably drinking enough water; but if your urine is a dark yellow color you are very dehydrated.

Drinking a gallon of water a day

In recent years a gallon of water a day challenge has gone around social media, many taking up the challenge and drinking a gallon a day for a week, a month, or more than that. Even without the challenge, there are many benefits to drinking a gallon of water a day, and it is great for your health.

Benefits to drinking a gallon of water a day

1. Increased energy

If you feel exhausted or un-energized throughout the day it may not be due to a poor night’s sleep, you may just be dehydrated. Drinking a gallon of water a day will boost your metabolism and give you lots more energy. (Especially if you start drinking some water right after you wake up.) One of the reasons why you feel more energized drinking more water in a day is because clean water helps flush toxins from your body quicker and helps your blood deliver nutrients all throughout your body.

2. Better Skin

Drinking a gallon of water a day does wonders for your skin. Say goodbye to acne, itching, and in some cases even skin conditions like eczema when you drink a gallon of water a day. Your skin will glow and look healthy when you are drinking enough water. Skin needs to be hydrated to stay youthful.

3.  Reduced cravings

A big benefit to drinking a gallon of water a day is it reduced cravings and appetite. Drinking lots of water will curb the sugar cravings, and while it is still vitally important to eat enough quality food through out the day to get all your nutrients in, your appetite will be smaller and you’ll want less portion sizes. Drinking a gallon of water can help you lose weight and it clears the sugary or processed food cravings.

4. Increased athletic performance

When your body is dehydrated it moves more slowly and isn’t as quick. One easy way to make your movements more graceful, help your joints work smoothly, and increase your explosive power and overall athletic performance is to drink more water. Drinking a gallon a day will help your performance, help your body tone and define your muscles, and decrease soreness or stiffness after a workout.

5. Reduced Bloating

Water helps your body reduce bloating and constipation. Drinking water will help flush your system, and help you have regular bowl movements. It is a great way to alleviate the pain that comes from bloating, and drinking a gallon of water a day may get rid of bloating completely.

Drinking a gallon of water a day will also cleanse your body and help remove any toxins or waste that may build up.

6. Fewer headaches

Headaches are a very common symptom of dehydration and the more water you drink the fewer headaches you will experience. Drinking a gallon of water a day may help you get rid of headaches for good. (And, while we are on the topic, drinking more water will help your body to not get sick as often.)

7. Better body function

Water helps your body cleanse itself of waste and toxins, maintains the body’s temperature, lubricates joints, absorbs needed vitamins and minerals, helps with blood circulation, creates saliva, helps every organ function as it should, and so much more. Water is essential for your body, and getting in a gallon a day will help maintain that balance and give your body the things it needs to function properly.

Those are just seven of the multiple amazing benefits to drinking a gallon of water a day.

Tips to drink more water

If drinking water is hard for you to do, try these tips:

• Drink little sips throughout the day instead of chugging it all at once.
• Have a trigger to drink more water, like after every bathroom break you take, you drink a cup of water, or anytime you walk into the kitchen.
• Put a little salt in your water in order to help your body absorb it better.
• Add electrolytes or supplements to your water
• Adding sugar free water flavorings can help it taste better
• Bring a water bottle everywhere you go
• When you feel hungry, take a drink first. You might just be thirsty.

It is important to listen to your body. Many people benefit through drinking a gallon of water per day, but there is such thing as too much water, and that can have many health complications.  You want to be drinking the amount that is best for your body. Talk to a doctor if you feel like you are drinking too much water.