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Does Drinking Water Help When You’re Sick?
There’s nothing worse than being sick. Whether it’s the common cold, the flu, or a stomach bug, being ill can bring our lives to a standstill. Our bodies feel drained, and we just want to hide away under a blanket until we feel better. However, as we all know, life goes on, and we can’t just put everything on hold when we’re feeling under the weather. We look for ways to speed up our recovery, and one question that often arises is, “does drinking water help when you’re sick?”
Most of us have heard the phrase “drink plenty of fluids” when we’re feeling unwell, and water is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, is there any truth behind this popular advice? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the effects of drinking water when you’re sick and whether it can truly help you feel better.
The Importance of Hydration
Whether you’re sick or not, staying hydrated is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and it plays a vital role in regulating body temperature, flushing out toxins, and aiding in various bodily functions.
When we’re sick, our bodies are working hard to fight off the illness, which can lead to dehydration. This is why staying hydrated is even more important when we’re sick. However, not all fluids are created equal, and it’s essential to choose the right drinks to aid in our recovery.
How Water Helps When You’re Sick
Now that we’ve established the importance of hydration, let’s take a closer look at how drinking water can specifically help when we’re sick.
Relieves Symptoms
Drinking water can help relieve some of the most common symptoms we experience when we’re ill. For example, when we have a fever, our bodies lose more water through sweating, and drinking water can help reduce body temperature and alleviate symptoms of fever.
Similarly, when we have a sore throat, drinking water can help soothe the irritation and keep our throats lubricated. It can also help with congestion by thinning out mucus and making it easier to expel.
Boosts Immune System
Our immune system is crucial when we’re sick, as it fights off the infection and helps us recover. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can aid in our immune system’s function, allowing it to work more efficiently and help us feel better faster.
Additionally, drinking water can help flush out toxins from our body, keeping our immune system from becoming overwhelmed and ensuring it can focus on fighting off the illness.
Aids in Digestion
Many illnesses can lead to digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Staying hydrated by drinking water can help prevent dehydration and replace the electrolytes lost through these symptoms.
Moreover, drinking water can also help ease digestion by keeping our digestive system hydrated and moving smoothly.
How Much Water Should You Drink When You’re Sick?
The general recommendation is to aim for eight glasses of water per day, but this can vary depending on your specific needs and how sick you are. It’s always best to listen to your body and drink water as needed. If you’re experiencing more severe symptoms, you may need to increase your water intake to avoid dehydration.
It’s also essential to consider that not all of our water intake needs to come in the form of plain water. Other fluids such as tea, soup, and fruit juices can also contribute to our overall hydration and offer additional nutrients to aid in our recovery.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, staying hydrated by drinking water when you’re sick is essential for a speedy recovery. It can help relieve symptoms, boost our immune systems, and aid in digestion. However, drinking water should not be seen as a cure for illness, and it’s essential to seek medical attention when needed.
So, next time you’re feeling under the weather, be sure to keep a glass of water by your side. Your body will thank you, and you’ll hopefully feel better in no time.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health.
