Water - how much do I need and why do I need it? What the heck is water anyways?

Water. Smart Water. AquaHydrate. Vitamin Water. Fiji. Aquafina. Arrowhead.

What is in water? Depending on what kind of water you purchase, different things will be in water. You can get water with vitamins, alkaline, ionic minerals, water that is microstructured, etc. Water is necessary for the life of most animals and plants. If we don't drink water, we will not be as efficient as we could be.

What is it that makes water so important? You have an idea? I'll tell you what I think. The most important thing about water is that we need it badly. So badly that if we don't drink it, we die. Long before you would die from starvation, you'd die from dehydration.

Now what does that tell us? It tells us only one thing. Water consumption is one of the most important parts of our diet. Our body needs, no craves water badly. When you don't drink enough water, your body will suffer. You probably already know that 70 % of our body is made of water. Sweating, breathing, living,... you lose water all the time!

Let's take a look at some of the main bodily functions in which water plays an important role.

Water is essential for our bodily functions.
Water protects our organs and body parts and holds them together.
Water is essential for our body cells, it gives them strength.
Water is used to transport nutritients, waste matter, hormones and other things in our body.
Water can help you maintain and lose weight.
Drinking water before a meal will regulate your appetite, making you feel full and satisfied a lot faster. As a result you will eat less and for that, lose weight.
Drinking water gives your metabolism a small boost, because your body will be well oiled.
Water helps cure other health issues.
Drinking more water will make you retain less water.
One glass of water can sometimes cure a headache.
Waters Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
Water Decrease chance of kidney stones.
Water gives you energy when you feel tired.

So to answer your questions: How much water do I need to drink??? A lot of people will say - drink 8 glasses of water a day. Wow - that's a lot of water! But guess what? A lof of us need more than that.

Take your weight in pounds and divide it in half. You are supposed to drink half of the amount you weigh. Not in pounds silly ;) Change the pounds to ounces. For example:


My weight: 150 pounds
Half of my weight: 75 pounds
What I need to drink = 75 ounces

More things are involved when trying to figure out how much water you need to drink. Are you pregnant? Breastfeeding? Living in high altitude? Do you drink alcohol?

For a more accurate answer on how much water you should drink, take this test! Hope you enjoy!

http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm