Everywhere I turn, I see that 1 Gallon A Day of Water should be what people strive to. So where is what 1 gallon of water a day, really does to your body.

During my research, the first thing I found was that I needed to point out that drinking too much water too fast can lead to water intoxication. That happens when you intake more than your kidneys can expel, which would be gallons and gallons of water in a short amount of time.

Here are 5 things that water does to your body.

1. Cuts Off Unnecessary Calories.

When you are drinking more water you are eliminating the opportunity to intake calories from other beverages such as soda and unhealthy juices. You are also snacking less because you are full from all of the water.

2. Pee More + Increase Digestion

You are peeing more because of your water intake. What that is doing on a more scientific level is removing the excess sodium in your body. We talk a lot about the peeing but in reality, it will help with your entire digestion system. You will become regular in both number 1 & number 2 which gets rid of toxins and it can show up on your skin, hair, with your energy and more.

3. Better Workouts

Staying hydrated will increase your workouts. The rule of thumb is to drink frequently two hours before your workout, every 20 minutes during and directly afterward to keep your body properly hydrated. Ultimately, water helps to hydrate the cells and works within your body to create an energy reserve.

4. Clears Skin
Many studies show thatin the process of removing toxins, clear skin has been one of the positive side effects of increasing your water intake.

5. Removes Bloating
Some people state that when they first started to increase their excess they experienced some uncomfortable bloating. It is highly recommended to drink water throughout the day vs a lot in one sitting. However, once that part has passed, bloating significantly decreases and people who once had a constant bloat problem have noted that it has disappeared.

Danielle Mitchell is an International Marketing Strategist and founder of Average Black Girl. At Average Black Girl, the mission is to create more black millionaires through marketing, web design, product management and securing partnerships. Connected with Average Black Girl is her partner brand called Melanin Business. Melanin Business is a free global business directory that is free to sign up, add a business and leave a review.

7 Ways Drinking More Water Can Make Your Body Better

We all know that drinking plenty of water throughout the day isgood for us, but sometimes we just need a friendly reminder as to why it’s so good for our bodies. If you need something to motivate you to drink more water, this list is just for you! Try to get between 60-100 ounces a day (more if you have a hard workout day) to get the most benefits.

1. Water Curbs Cravings

Water is a magical concoction that is calorie free but powerful enough to make you feel full. Your brain is wired to send you signals to feed and hydrate it. However, you may not always be able to tell the difference. Drinking water when you have a food craving can help you beat those craving most of the time.

The next time you want something sweet or salty, grab a bottle of water first and then reassess. Chances are, your body just wanted some H20 love.

2. Water Can Make You Skinny

This may sound too good to be true, but drinking adequate amounts of water can actually help you look leaner because water can help to reduce inflammation and bloating around your body.

If you feel heavier than normal, or you think you are holding onto excess water, drinking more water can help the body flush out that excess water, and instantly make you look a bit slimmer.

3. Water Can Lower Blood Pressure

The main way to reduce your risk for high blood pressure is to eat less sodium. But, in addition to this step, you can help your body regulate its sodium levels why guzzling down water often.

You need a certain amount of sodium and electrolytes to maintain proper bodily function. But if you don’t get enough water, you can become dehydrated and your body will begin to hold on to sodium, causing an imbalance and a spike in your blood pressure. Over time, getting too much salt and not enough water can lead to chronic high blood pressure, which can put you at risk for stroke and other conditions. Bottom line: drink up!

4. Water Can Improve Your Workouts

You’ve probably felt that extreme fatigue that comes from being dehydrated while you’re trying to work out, especially in the heat.

When you get dehydrated, your body can build up more lactic acid in the muscles making them feel heavy and cause cramping.

However, when you hydrate before, during and after your workouts, you help your body regulate itself, flush out built up acid, and reduce fatigue that could force you to cut your workouts short. Your muscles thrive off of water, so give them what they want!

5. Water Helps with Digestion

Poor digestion can cause you all types of problems like constipation, bloating, and weakening your immune system. First and foremost, you should ensure that you are getting enough fiber to help your food move along.

But fiber is useless without the right amount of water in your system. If you are dehydrated, your digestive system cannot function as smoothly as it’s meant to.

So fill up on fiber and wash it down with a glass of water to keep your stomach troubles at bay.

6. Water Helps Boost Your Immune System

One of the first things people will tell you to do if you’re sick is to stay hydrated.

This is true not only once you get sick, but staying properly hydrated can preventyou from getting under the weather in the first place. Water helps your body flush out toxins, and it helps you get rid of the body’s waste through proper digestion.

What’s more, is that water helps your immune system send white blood cells through the body to fight off viruses and bacteria. So, especially during the cold and flu season, drink up!

7. Water Makes You Beautiful

If beauty is only skin-deep, then drinking up more glasses of water can increase your beauty in a major way.

Drinking sufficient amounts of water over a long period of time can aid in your skin’s cell turnover, so that new cells can come up to the surface, making you look refreshed and glowed up all the time.

Water also helps your body deliver oxygen to your cells all over your body, including your skin, helping your skin appear more youthful, rather than dull and dry.

Sharita Jennings is a fitness and travel enthusiast and creator of Get Fit Like That, LLC. She is a health policy attorney and ACE certified group fitness instructor and fitness nutrition specialist. She provides online fitness plans and leads group fitness classes in Washington DC. Check out her fitness tips and workouts at GetFitLikeThat.com.