Staying Hydrated: Why Water is Essential for Better Liver Health

Why is staying hydrated important?

The average adult human body is composed of up to 60% water, drinking enough water each day is not only essential for a healthy liver but keeps your entire body functioning at its best. According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, our brain consists of 73% water, our lungs are composed of 83% water and kidneys are 79% water! No wonder, staying hydrating is crucially important for our physical and mental health.

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 43% of adults drink less than four cups of water a day. That includes 36% who drink one to three cups, and 7% who drink none. Water is vital for nutrient transport throughout your body, if you don’t consume enough water, you risk dehydration. This can lead to serious health risks, including reduced liver function.

While the general recommendation is to drink about 8 glasses of water per day, it is important to listen to your own body and understand its needs. Your daily water intake should reflect the intensity of your physical exercise, the outside temperature and season, your diet and your health needs.

Hydration and Liver Health

Water helps to dissolve fats and soluble fiber. Drinking enough water prevents constipation and reduces the burden on the kidneys and liver by helping to flush waste from the body. Water thins the blood and is mostly responsible for the fluid content of blood. Staying hydrated makes the blood thinner, ultimately making it easier for the liver to filter. The liver also filters possibly harmful substances from your body, when dehydrated your liver becomes less efficient in filtering out toxins such as alcohol, leaving you more susceptible to poisoning. Drinking enough water also aids in maintaining a healthy weight which helps to reduce the risk of developing or worsening fatty liver disease.

When drinking a glass of water upon awakening, before meals, before and after physical activity and before going to sleep, your water consumption timing will provide your liver with the best hydration.

98% of Liver Experts Would Recommend Amsety Bars

Tips for Staying Hydrated

• If you struggle to drink plain water try infusing it with lemon or a selection of fruits to add flavor. You could even try a home carbonation system especially if you have trouble giving up soda or sugary carbonated drinks.
• Filtered water often tastes better than the water that comes from the tap. Invest in a filter system at home or for your portable bottle.
• Add fruits and vegetables that contain a high-water content to your diet. These include: cucumber (96% water), zucchini (95% water), watermelon (92% water), and grapefruit (91% water).
• There are several apps that track your water consumption throughout the day and remind you to drink. If you like to kick it old school you can also purchase bottles that have hours marked on them to ensure you are reaching your goals.

Find out about the nutrition bar that 98% of liver health experts would recommend!