The benefits of water and staying hydrated is vital for health and well-being, but many people fail to consume enough fluids daily. The benefits of water is so important for us that our bodies contain 60 percent water, and our planet is covered with 71 percent water.
According to experts, women should drink roughly 11 cups of water, and men should drink 16 cups per day. Despite this, only 43% of Americans consume the recommended daily amount.
Drinking enough water each day might not be at the top of many people's priorities due to its ubiquitous nature. We can, however, benefit greatly from water.
This article will discuss water and male health benefits, why men should drink water rather than soda, processed juices, and alcohol, and how to drink more water.
Water and male health benefits
Drinking water has many benefits for men. Below are some of the benefits you get if you drink more water:
1. Water helps sperm motility and semen volume in men
The volume of a man's semen is increased within normal limits when he consumes a sufficient amount of water and fluid. Drinking a lot of water allows a man to help his body produce his maximum amount of semen.
Hence when you drink more water, your body produces its maximum amount of seminal fluid. As a result, sperm motility can be improved, which increases the chances of conception [1].
2. Erectile dysfunction and hydration
Several studies have linked dehydration with erectile dysfunction (ED). A particular study demonstrated that falling fluid levels in the body adversely affect angiotensin (hormone) release. As a result of these hormones, your body tightens the vessels to restrict blood flow to the penis. Consequently, the penis does not receive enough blood flow, resulting in ED [2].
A lack of water may also cause you to feel tired, moody, or unmotivated. Therefore, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and taking supplements are essential.
3. Boost Your Libido
Typically, the term libido refers to a desire for sexual activity or a sense of sexual drive.
Water deficiency affects your libido and sex hormones, making you less eager to have sex.
Dehydration triggers your body to release stress hormones, which can cause libido levels to drop and affect your testosterone. A low libido leads to low manhood, as well [3].
You need only to drink more water to reverse this condition!
4. Muscle lubrication
Synovial fluid, which directly lubricates your joints, is primarily composed of water. It maintains healthy tissue and joints by reducing friction between joints. Therefore, if you drink more water, it will help lubricate and make your joints more flexible [4].
5. Cleanse your body
Water consumption often results in frequent bathroom trips, which is a good thing!
Your body flushes toxins and impurities with water every time you use the bathroom [5]. In contrast, when you are dehydrated, these toxins and impurities accumulate in your tissue cells and disrupt your body's balance, affecting your hormones and causing you to feel less energetic.
6. Boosts Your Mood
According to research, dehydrated men are more likely to suffer from impaired memory, stress, and anxiety. As a result, you might notice a significant change in mental state and sex drive due to these factors. Drinking water helps you reduce performance anxiety and maintain a healthy libido.
7. Boost pheromone production
Among the rules of attraction, smell plays a crucial role.
If you're dehydrated, your sweat will smell no matter how many candles you light. Consequently, you feel self-conscious and perform poorly [6].
Boost your sweat's water content by drinking more!
It will help reduce the salt content and other toxins, thereby preventing bad odors from arising from the body.
Some other benefits of drinking water
The body relies on water for the proper functioning of every system. Water also performs the following important tasks:
- Cellular transport of nutrients and oxygen
- Getting rid of bladder bacteria
- Assisting in digestion
- To prevent constipation
- Bringing blood pressure back to normal
- Joint cushioning
- Protecting organs and tissues
- Temperature regulation
- Keeping skin healthy
- Maintaining good oral health
- Boosts weight loss
- Keeping electrolytes (sodium) in balance.
Keeping your body hydrated means giving it enough fluids to perform those tasks.
Insufficient water consumption can lead to dehydration. A person suffering from dehydration may experience weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, or dark urine.
Why water, not other drinks?
When it comes to drinking, there are countless options. However, water is the best option if you have access to safe drinking water. In addition to being calorie-free, it is available almost anywhere.
In contrast to soda, processed juice, alcohol, and other drinks, water is healthier. Alcohol, sodas, juices, and processed juices all have numerous adverse effects.
The adverse effects of drinking soda
The most common side effects of drinking high-sugar soft drinks are obesity, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain [7]. Additionally, sodas can harm your smile, resulting in cavities and tooth decay visible to the naked eye. Drinking soda interacts with bacteria in your mouth to produce acid. This acid damages your teeth [8].
The adverse effects of processed juice
Processed juice contains more sugar and calories, contributing to obesity and weight gain [9]. The accumulation of excess weight may lead to diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and other health problems later in life.
The adverse effects of drinking alcohol
Alcohol consumption puts men at a greater risk of developing mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon cancers. Alcohol consumption increases prostate cancer risk as well [10].
You want to increase your water intake after learning its benefits but don't know how to drink more water. Here are some tips to help you!
How to drink more water?
The following tips can help you drink more water:
- Make it a part of your routine.
Always drink water after brushing your teeth, eating a meal, and using the bathroom.
- You can eat it.
There are various fruits and vegetables, such as melon, cucumbers, lettuce, and celery, that are high in water content.
- Keep track of it.
Keep a calendar with your intake and set the alarm as a reminder.
- Make a challenge with a friend.
Organize a friendly competition between yourself and a friend to see who can frequently achieve their drinking goal.
- Take it with you.
Keeping hydrated on the go can be challenging. During your daily commute, carry a water bottle filled with water before you leave home.
Make sure you stay hydrated!
Increasing your water intake on a regular basis can boost your overall health and enhance your performance.
Are you having trouble drinking enough water?
It's okay! You're not the only one!
The smell of tap water isn't always pleasant. And don't forget about the taste.
On a hot day, it is enough to make you crave another sugary soda.
Take a look at infused water before making a decision!
Infused water
You can easily make your own flavored waters at home without spending a fortune at the grocery store. Add any of these to cold water in a glass, pitcher or infuser bottle:
- Orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and lime (sliced or zest)
- Fresh mint leaves (crushed)
- Cucumber or ginger (slices, peeled and sliced)
- Berries (crushed)
Stay hydrated all day by carrying around a water bottle with an infuser built into it so you can drink your healthy infused water whenever you wish.
Conclusion
Staying hydrated with water improves the health of people, especially men. Consider trying infused water if you are bored with plain water. Infused water is the more flavourful and healthier option. An infuser-equipped water bottle makes staying hydrated easier. So drink plenty of water to stay healthy!
References
- Zeng, Q., Wang, Y. X., Xie, S. H., Xu, L., Chen, Y. Z., Li, M., ... & Lu, W. Q. (2014). Drinking-water disinfection by-products and semen quality: a cross-sectional study in China. Environmental health perspectives, 122(7), 741-746.
- Hassan, K., Elimeleh, Y., Shehadeh, M., Fadi, H., & Rubinchik, I. (2018). The relationship between hydration status, male sexual dysfunction and depression in hemodialysis patients. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 14, 523.
- Cadegiani, F. A., & Kater, C. E. (2018). Body composition, metabolism, sleep, psychological and eating patterns of overtraining syndrome: results of the EROS study (EROS-PROFILE). Journal of sports sciences, 36(16), 1902-1910.
- Sunardi, D. (2022). Water quality and the impact to the health. World Nutrition Journal, 5(S3), 5-6.
- Stoev, M., Ivanova, N., & Chorbadzhiyska, E. Drinking water purification in integrated system. BULGARIAN CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS, 52.
- Taylor, N. A., & Machado-Moreira, C. A. (2013). Regional variations in transepidermal water loss, eccrine sweat gland density, sweat secretion rates and electrolyte composition in resting and exercising humans. Extreme physiology & medicine, 2(1), 1-30.
- Schulze, M. B., Manson, J. E., Ludwig, D. S., Colditz, G. A., Stampfer, M. J., Willett, W. C., & Hu, F. B. (2004). Sugar-sweetened beverages, weight gain, and incidence of type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged women. Jama, 292(8), 927-934.
- Islam, B., Khan, S. N., & Khan, A. U. (2007). Dental caries: from infection to prevention. Medical Science Monitor, 13(11), RA196.
- Monteiro-Alfredo, T., Caramelo, B., Arbeláez, D., Amaro, A., Barra, C., Silva, D., ... & Matafome, P. (2021). Distinct impact of natural sugars from fruit juices and added sugars on caloric intake, body weight, glycaemia, oxidative stress and glycation in diabetic rats. Nutrients, 13(9), 2956.
- Teissedre, P. L., Rasines-Perea, Z., Ruf, J. C., Stockley, C., Antoce, A. O., Romano, R., ... & Kosti, R. I. (2020). Effects of alcohol consumption in general, and wine in particular, on the risk of cancer development: a review. Oeno One, 54(4), 813-832