Water is vital for your health. Your body needs water to flush toxins out of vital organs, carry nutrients to your cells and keep your ears, throat and nose tissue moist. Water makes up 60 percent of your total body weight, and every bodily system depends on water. Drinking the appropriate amount of water every day ensures that your body stays well hydrated and functions properly. The amount of water you need per day varies by the individual, but following some general guidelines can help you stay on top of your daily water needs.
Benefits
Staying properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps your body function better. Proper hydration can ward off fatigue, satiate hunger, boost your energy and keep your metabolism running smoothly, according to "Eat Clean Diet" author Tosca Reno. Drinking pure water ensures that your body receives proper hydration without having to do extra work to process the fluid.
Daily Amounts
The amount of water that you should drink daily varies by your activity level, health, age, gender and the climate in which you live. The Institute of Medicine advises that healthy women consume about nine cups of water a day, and healthy men should consume about 13 cups daily. The eight-glasses-a-day approach is known as the "eight by eight" rule -- you drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water or fluid a day to ensure proper hydration. Although this approach is not scientifically proven, it is a simple guideline that can help you remember to drink enough water every day.
Weight Loss
Water can help in your weight loss efforts by decreasing your appetite. It is often difficult to distinguish between hunger and thirst, says Mara Z. Vitolins, a Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center nutritionist. Drinking a glass of water and waiting to 20 to 30 minutes to see if you're still hungry can help you cut down on consuming extra calories, which can result in weight loss. Choosing water over high-calorie drinks such as juice, soda and alcohol can reduce your daily calorie count greatly.
Natural Detoxifier
Water helps to naturally flush toxins out of your body via sweat, urination and bowel movements. Keeping your body well hydrated helps your body moderate its core temperature, keeps your joints lubricated and protects your spinal cord, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Keeping toxins out of your body helps ward off illness and ensures proper health.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Water: How Much Should You Drink Everyday?
- Science Daily: How Much Water Should You Drink?
- "Eat Clean Diet": Tosca Reno; 2008
- Womens Health: Staying Active and Eating Healthy; Water
- Science Daily: Drinking Water Can Help Your Diet
- Centers For Disease Control: Water: Meeting Your Daily Fluid Needs
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