Weight, blood sugar, cystitis… Why drinking water is good for your health

To maintain the body’s balance, it is recommended to compensate for daily water losses (urine, sweating and breathing) by drinking between 1.5 and 2 liters of water per day, the equivalent of eight glasses . But why is it so important? Researchers from the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) analyzed the scientific data available on the subject to better understand the effects of hydration on health. Their findings, published in JAMA Network Openconfirm that drinking enough water can prevent certain diseases and relieve a variety of disorders.

Drink water to prevent migraines, urinary infections…

The study, which draws on 18 randomized controlled trials, finds that the most obvious benefits of hydration relate to kidney stone prevention and weight loss. Participants drinking at least eight glasses of water per day significantly reduced their risk of forming new kidney stones. Regarding weight management, drinking water before meals has been shown to be effective in adults, with visible results from six glasses per day, but did not show a significant effect in adolescents, suggesting that the impact could vary according to age.

That’s not all. Drinking more water could also help prevent, relieve or manage many health conditions:
– THE migraines : After three months, adults with recurrent headaches reported improvement in their symptoms by increasing their water intake.
– THE urinary infections : In women prone to recurrent infections, six extra glasses per day reduced the number of infectious episodes and prolonged infection-free periods.
– The diabetes : Increased hydration led to better blood sugar control in patients with high glucose levels.
– L’hypotension : In young adults with low blood pressure, drinking more water improved symptoms.

Hydration as a public health measure?

Previous studies have already shown a link between hydration and the maintenance of cognitive function, particularly in older people. Water would also be essential to preserve joints and ensure they function more fluidly, and even to reduce pain in those who suffer from them.

Encouraging people to hydrate more could be an inexpensive and accessible measure to address public health issues such as obesity or chronic diseases. In a press release, the researchers emphasize, however, that water needs vary from one person to another, and that a personalized approach remains essential. “Dehydration is particularly harmful for those with a history of kidney stones or urinary tract infections. Conversely, those with frequent urination may benefit from moderate consumption.”