What Happens When You Drink 3 Liters of Water a Day
You’ve probably heard that drinking enough water is important. But what if you take it a step further and drink 3 liters (about 13 cups) every day? It sounds like a lot, right? Let’s talk about what could happen to your body if you make this a habit. Some of these effects might surprise you!
Drinking 3 Liters of Water Every Day Can Make Your Skin Healthier
One of the first things you’ll notice when you drink 3 liters of water a day is how it helps your skin. Your skin, which is the largest organ of your body, needs water to stay healthy. When your skin cells get enough water, they fill up and make your skin look smoother and more glowing.
Many scientific studies have proven that staying well-hydrated helps your skin stay firm and less dry. On the other hand, if you don’t drink enough water, your skin can look dull and tired, and you might have more acne breakouts.
Drinking More Water Could Help You Lose Weight
If you’re trying to lose weight, drinking 3 liters of water might help. Water can fill your stomach, which can make you feel full and help you eat less at meals. When your stomach feels full, it sends signals to your brain to stop eating.
Studies have shown that drinking water before meals can help you eat fewer calories. Also, staying hydrated helps your metabolism, which might help you burn more calories throughout the day. Drinking water alone won’t make you lose a lot of weight, but it can be a helpful tool when combined with eating healthy and exercising.
Drinking Enough Water Helps Your Digestion
Drinking enough water helps your digestive system. Water helps break down food so your body can absorb nutrients properly. Staying hydrated also helps keep things moving in your digestive system, which can prevent constipation.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that if you don’t drink enough water, your stools can become hard, making it hard to go to the bathroom. Drinking 3 liters of water a day can help keep your intestines working well and prevent that uncomfortable feeling from digestive issues.
Drinking Water Helps You Feel Less Tired
One of the first signs that you’re not drinking enough water is feeling tired. Dehydration can make your energy levels drop, making you feel sluggish. When you drink 3 liters of water a day, you help your body stay energized.
Water helps carry nutrients to your cells and keeps your blood flowing smoothly. This means your muscles and organs get the oxygen and nutrients they need to work well. Staying hydrated can help reduce tiredness and improve your overall energy.
Drinking 3 Liters of Water Helps Your Kidneys Stay Healthy
Your kidneys filter waste from your blood and keep your body’s fluid balance in check. Drinking more water helps your kidneys get rid of toxins, which can reduce the risk of kidney stones.
The Mayo Clinic says to drink enough water so that your urine is light yellow or clear. This means you’re properly hydrated. If you drink 3 liters of water a day, your urine will probably be more diluted, which helps prevent kidney stones.
Drinking Water Can Improve Your Focus
Your brain is about 75% water, so it makes sense that staying hydrated helps you think clearly. Drinking 3 liters of water every day can help stop dehydration, which is linked to headaches and trouble focusing.
A study published in 2022 in the journal ‘Nutrients’ found that even mild dehydration can hurt your mood and ability to concentrate. Staying hydrated can improve your mental clarity, helping you focus better.
You Might Have to Use the Bathroom More Often
If you drink 3 liters of water, you’ll probably need to go to the bathroom more often. This is normal! It means your body is getting rid of extra fluids and keeping a good balance of electrolytes.
It might be annoying at first, especially if you’re not used to drinking that much water. But over time, your body will adjust, and the frequent bathroom trips will become less of a bother.
Be Careful About Electrolyte Balance When Drinking Lots of Water
While drinking 3 liters of water a day has many benefits, it’s also important to keep your electrolytes balanced. If you drink too much water, it can dilute the amount of electrolytes, like sodium, in your blood. This condition, called hyponatremia or water intoxication, can be dangerous if it’s not treated.
This can be a problem if you drink a lot of water quickly or if you lose a lot of electrolytes through sweating during exercise. To avoid this, make sure you also replace electrolytes by eating a balanced diet or drinking fluids that contain electrolytes.
Is Drinking 3 Liters of Water Right for Everyone?
Drinking 3 liters of water a day might not be right for everyone. Everyone’s water needs are different depending on things like age, activity level, climate, and health. Some people might feel great with 3 liters a day, while others might not need as much.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends about 3.7 liters of fluids a day for men and 2.7 liters for women, which includes all drinks and food. If you’re very active or live in a hot area, drinking 3 liters might be just what your body needs. But always listen to your body and adjust as needed.
Tips for Drinking More Water Every Day
If you want to try drinking 3 liters of water a day, here are some tips to help you:
- Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Keeping a water bottle with you makes it easier to remember to drink water throughout the day.
- Set Reminders: Utilize your phone or a hydration app to remind you to drink water regularly.
- Add Flavor to Your Water: Adding a slice of lemon, cucumber, or berries can make water taste better.
- Drink a Glass Before Each Meal: This can help you reach your water goal and also help with portion control during meals.
The Bottom Line
Drinking 3 liters of water daily can improve your skin, digestion, and focus. But it’s important to pay attention to your body’s needs and not overdo it. Staying hydrated is important for your health, but too much water can be just as harmful as too little.
It’s very important to talk to your doctor if you’re not sure how much water is right for you. The goal is to stay hydrated and healthy, not to force yourself into a routine that doesn’t work for you.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day
- https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2023/05/hydrating-health
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
- https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2004/02/report-sets-dietary-intake-levels-for-water-salt-and-potassium-to-maintain-health-and-reduce-chronic-disease-risk