Science Confirms Game-Changer For Better Health
New research confirms that drinking around eight cups of water per day is beneficial for your health, according to a team from the University of California, San Francisco. After analyzing data from 18 randomized controlled trials, the researchers found clear evidence supporting the benefits of proper hydration.
Dr. Benjamin Breyer, the senior author of the study and chair of the Department of Urology, explained that while water is an essential part of daily life, its health benefits haven’t always been well understood. He noted that their study is the first to broadly examine the clinical outcomes associated with water consumption. The findings were published on November 25 in JAMA Network Open.
The strongest evidence pointed to water’s role in preventing kidney stones and assisting with weight loss. Drinking eight cups a day was shown to help prevent kidney stones from recurring, while consuming six or more cups of water daily appeared to support weight loss in adults. However, the same benefits were not observed in teenagers.
Additionally, the research found that increasing water intake helped reduce the frequency of headaches, including migraines, and may prevent urinary tract infections. For individuals with diabetes, drinking about four cups of water per day could aid in better blood sugar control. Younger adults also saw improvements in blood pressure with increased hydration.
Despite these benefits, Dr. Breyer cautioned that excessive water intake may not be suitable for everyone. He emphasized that while dehydration is harmful, particularly for those with a history of kidney stones or urinary infections, those who experience frequent urination may need to adjust their water intake accordingly. Ultimately, he stressed that hydration needs vary from person to person.
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