Is Your Water Intake Sufficient?

Have you been reminded to drink enough water already? You may have had enough to drink already. On the other hand, you don't.

Find out how much water you should be drinking every day, why water is so crucial to your health, and how you can ensure you drink enough water every day.

Why is water important?

Without drinking water, your body's cells, tissues, and organs can't function properly. You can't stay alive without water. Four crucial functions in the body rely on water:

It aids in waste removal and protects the kidneys (including kidney stones)the natural way, through perspiration, elimination, and defecationLubrication of joints, skin, eyes, mouth, and nose are all benefits.Temperatures are brought back to normal, and heat stress is reduced.It prevents dehydration, which saps your strength and slows down your body's systems.

How much water do you need daily?

You may have read that you should drink eight glasses of water daily. Although drinking that much water daily is important, more is needed. Yet, you may get the fluids you need from outside sources, simply water.

Even if you drink eight glasses of water daily, you may still be dehydrated. These factors will determine the correct response:

You should drink extra water if you live in a hot and humid climate.More fluid is required to compensate for the increased perspiration and the subsequent loss of water and electrolytes (blood minerals) from increased physical exertion.Increase your fluid intake if you have a dehydrating illness, such as a fever or infection.Pregnant and nursing women have increased hydration requirements.