Proper hydration is vital for your health and well-being, as water is responsible for many necessary functions in the body, including losing weight and keeping it off. Drinking the recommended amount of water on a daily basis is one of the simplest steps you can take to help you feel and perform your best. But exactly how much water per day is enough?
How Much is Enough?
According to the Mayo Clinic, adequate water intake varies from person to person, depending on several factors. These include your health, how active you are, and where you reside. Generally speaking, eight to nine cups, or 4 to 4.5 pints, of water per day are recommended. Your activity level and your amount of caffeinated beverages or intake of "water filled food" may also alter the amount of pure water you take in each day. Strenuous exercise typically makes you sweat away water, making it necessary for you to drink more. Caffeinated beverages act as a diuretic and increase the amount of urine you produce, so it is important to drink more water to replace the lost fluid.
Water is Earth's Vital Nutrient
Water is the most essential liquid on Earth. Unfortunately it is often overlooked as a nutrient. Water makes up about 70 percent of your body, offers numerous benefits and carries out several functions. These include carrying nourishment to your cells, regulating your body temperature, helping your kidneys detoxify, transporting oxygen to your cells, removing toxins and wastes, and protecting your joints and organs.
Benefits of Water
A 2008 study concluded that overweight women who consumed water lost weight independent of their diet and activity. Water influences weight by naturally suppressing the appetite, helping the body metabolize stored fat, helping maintain proper muscle tone, and helping to relieve constipation.
Putting It Into Action
Track how much water you're drinking every day by making an "X" on a sheet of paper for every 8 oz. of water you drink per day. Aim for at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water daily to replenish fluid lost through bodily functions and to prevent dehydration.
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