Water

Water is the principal component of the human body. As a matter of fact over 2/3s of the human body is composed of water. According to Better Nutrition our blood is 82% water; our brain is 75% water as well as our muscles being 75% water. Water is also a main component in all of the bodily fluids. As you can see water is necessary in order for the body to function. Water helps to carry all the essential nutrients throughout the body, water also aids in circulation and digestion, in addition to flushing the body of all the toxins. Not only does water help ensure that your body functions properly it also provides the body with an array of other benefits. Water is a natural appetite suppressant. Increasing your water intake can help with water retention problems. Also, consuming enough water also helps to keep your skin hydrated. Water also helps to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. Water helps to reduce sore muscles and muscle cramps in addition to lubricating the joints.

Now we're aware of how important it is to drink enough water each day. But exactly how much water is enough? According to the Mayo Clinic there is no clear cut answer on how much water is enough. The amount of water a person needs to consume each day depends on a number of factors. Among these factors are your health, your level of activity, and where you live. Doctor's generally recommend that a healthy adult, with an average level of activity, in a temperate climate should consume 8 or 9 cups a day. There are three ways to ensure that you have adequate water consumption. The first of these is to use the replacement method where you try to replace the amount of water you expel. If using this method it is important to know that the average adult usually expels 1.5 liters of water through urination and an additional liter through breathing, sweating, and bowel movements. Using the replacement method it would be safe to assume that you would need to consume 2 liters each day to make up for what you lost (this figures that at least half an ounce of water would come from your food intake). Another way to ensure adequate water consumption is the 8 by 8 rule. It's pretty self-explanatory, drink 8, 8 ounce glasses of water each day. The final way to ensure adequate water consumption is to abide my dietary recommendations. The Institute of Medicine advises that men drink 3.7 liters of water a day and women drink 2.7 liters a day (this figure includes water from beverages and food).