About 60 percent of your body is composed of water, and your brain is nearly 70 percent water. Keeping your body hydrated, then, is perhaps the most important reason to drink plenty of water every day. According to the Mayo Clinic, a good rule of thumb is to drink about eight glasses of water each day. Keep in mind that you may need to drink more water if you live in a warm climate or at high altitude, or if you exercise vigorously.
Hydrates and Cools Your Body
Water keeps your body hydrated. Nearly every function of your body requires water. Water is in your blood, your internal organs, your tissues and even your cells. if you drink too little water, you can become dehydrated, which can cause headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness and fatigue. Water also helps cool your body, making it especially important to keep hydrated on hot days and both before and after you exercise.
Prevents Constipation
Drinking plenty of water can help with your digestive health. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clerainghouse, drinking water may not relieve symptoms of constipation, but it may help prevent constipation. Although poor eating habits normally cause constipation, dehydration can also be a contributing factor. Drinking plenty of water helps your colon move stool through your bowels. Water also helps soften your stool, making it easier to pass.
Transports Nutrients
In order to function properly, your body needs certain nutrients, such as vitamins, carbohydrates, fat, protein and minerals. Your body extracts those nutrients from the food you eat. Water helps your body transport needed nutrients and oxygen to your intestines, your blood and cells throughout your body.
Suppresses Appetite
Drinking plenty of water instead of soda can help you save on both calories and dollars. Water is naturally no-calorie and no-fat. According to an August 2010 article published in "Scientific American," water also acts as a natural appetite suppressant. The article pointed to a study by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University researchers in which participants who drank 2 cups of water before a meal ate fewer calories than those who drank no water.
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