By Lindsey McKim
I had always loved soda, especially Dr. Pepper. I would drink Dr. Pepper four or five times a day. Each Dr. Pepper gave me a sugar high and an energized feeling, but an hour later, I was tired, drowsy and lazy. One day I decided to quit Dr. Pepper altogether. While it wasn’t easy, the shift to drinking water has made a huge difference in my energy, performance, skin and health.
Drinking water aids weight loss, digestion and waste removal, and it helps to prevent dehydration and congestion. Studies have shown that drinking water before a meal can help control appetite and prevent overeating, which can eventually lead to weight loss. Drinking a sufficient amount of water daily can also help increase metabolism and break down food. According to Authority Nutrition, drinking water can increase the number of calories burnt. Water contains zero calories, so by drinking water instead of sugary drinks, people consume fewer calories.
A recent study by the Reseach Institute of Child Nutrition showed the effect of water consumption on obesity rates in children. Water fountains were installed in 17 schools, and second and third grade students received instruction about water intake. After a year the risk of obesity decreased by 31 percent in the schools with newly installed water fountains.
While water is a great aid in weight loss, it can also better someone’s mood, skin, performance and overall well-being. According to a study by bodybuilding.com, a 2 percent loss of water in the body can affect someone’s mood and performance. Water intake can also improve someone’s skin. It aids in keeping the skin hydrated and can reduce the appearance of acne. Water can also improve one’s energy. Even mild dehydration can cause the body and muscles to become tired and sore. It takes a dehydrated body longer to recover after tasks or strenuous physical activity. Water is also proven to prevent headaches. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of headaches. Drinking more water can prevent headaches or help cure them.
While water aids in many bodily functions, caffeinated beverages do not. Caffeinated and sugar-filled beverages such as soft drinks, coffee and tea have many negative effects on the body. It is proven that soda causes blood sugar levels to increase and the pancreas to create insulin. Drinking caffeinated beverages can also cause blood pressure to rise. After drinking beverages filled with sugar and caffeine, many people experience a sugar high. They feel energized and lively, but then they have a blood-sugar crash. Consuming these drinks will only cause people to feel more tired and less energized. Also, the calories in these drinks can cause weight gain. According to bodybuilding.com, caffeine and sugar can shut down the digestive process or cause dehydration. People will continuously reach for another soda or coffee because they are thirsty due to dehydration, or they are tired and want more energy.
AP Biology teacher Katy Yam said, “Dehydration makes your skin dry and makes you thirsty. When you’re dehydrated, it messes up homeostasis.” Effects of dehydration include dry skin, dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, thirst and fatigue. Studies have shown that mild dehydration can affect brain function. Dehydration can also affect mood, brain performance and memory. According to Authority Nutrition, a study of young women showed that a 1.36 percent loss of water affected mood and concentration, and the frequency of headaches increased. In a similar study of men, a loss of water affected memory and increased feelings of anxiety and tiredness.
People often consume soft drinks or coffee because they want something more flavorful than water. They don’t realize how detrimental these drinks can be on their bodies. Water can be flavored with lemons, strawberries, limes or oranges. This is a simple and easy way to encourage the consumption of more water.
Staying hydrated is crucial to health and to staying energized throughout the day.
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