We are all probably aware that drinking enough water each day is important for our overall long-term health. However, many of us often fall short of the oft-quoted goal of eight drinks a day. It’s worth a try, however, because drinking more water has many benefits and can dramatically impact how you feel, perhaps much sooner than you realize.
In fact, boosting your H20 levels can be an easy fix to many of the most embarrassing and annoying problems we all face from time to time. Read on to find out five hygiene problems that you could solve by simply drinking more water.
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Have you tried brushing your teeth more, rinsing with mouthwash, or doubling down on gum and mints to treat bad breath, all to no avail? If so, there is another possible solution you should try: drinking more water. This can help your mouth retain enough moisture to get rid of odor-causing substances, according to James WalkerMD, clinical physician and contract medical consultant for Welzo.
“Insufficient water intake can lead to dry mouth, reducing saliva production,” says Walker. “Saliva helps wash away bacteria and food particles in the mouth, so a lack of it can contribute to bad breath.”
If you’re struggling to get to number two, you’ll probably notice that you’re also experiencing more smelly gas, which can certainly be an annoying and embarrassing problem. But simply having another glass of water can help nip both of these problems in the bud, she says Ahmed El Barkoukileader in preventative health measures and CEO of Echelon Health.
“Hydration and fluids can help you reduce your risk of developing constipation, which could increase gas and bloating,” ElBarkouki explains. “Drinking four to six cups a day can help keep you regular, as it helps soften your stool, which in turn makes it much easier to pass.”
Body odor can be a big turn off for the people around you. But drinking water can help you avoid smelling bad to others, secondNancy Mitchell, RN, a Registered Nurse and Assisted Living contributing writer. As Mitchell explains, your sweat glands release a component called urea, and bacteria that live on your skin turn this urea into ammonia, which can give off a rather pungent odor.
“But drinking enough water helps dilute sweat, so there’s a lower concentration of urea present,” she says. “Ultimately, it reduces the amount of urea available for bacteria to break down which, in turn, improves your body odor.”
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If you notice a bad smell when you pee, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). While UTIs can be caused by a variety of factors, “insufficient water intake can increase your risk of developing this hygiene issue,” warns Walker. “Drinking an adequate amount of water helps dilute urine, eliminate bacteria and promote regular urination, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.”
Dehydration can also negatively impact skin in undesirable ways, according toLinden Leadbetter, MD, general practitioner and head of Tokenomics at JennyCo. “When you stay hydrated, it means you’re giving your body the right amount of water it needs,” says Leadbetter. “This helps your skin stay hydrated, which means it won’t get too dry or flaky. Dry skin can be uncomfortable and make skin look dull.”
Best Life offers the most up-to-date information from top experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not intended to replace professional guidance. When it comes to the medications you are taking or any other health questions you have, always consult your doctor directly.
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