the importance of WATER in your life.

H20!

You can ALWAYS drink more water, right? Pretty much... yes! Most of the general population seems to know that consuming water is extremely beneficial to one's health, and some people even equate increased water consumption with weight loss. Why is that, and what are some good facts to know about water and what it does for you?

Water is your body's principal element, making up about 60 percent of your body weight. Absolutely ever system in your body needs and totally depends on water. Water aids in weight loss for multiple reasons. First of all, proper hydration aids in boosting your metabolism, allowing your body to more easily carry out standard functions. Secondly, when you are consuming enough water, your body can tell the difference between actual hunger and the need for fluids. Finally, water flushes toxins out of vital organs and also carries nutrients to your cells, allowing you to get the best nutritional value of the food you are consuming!

The effects that lack of water, or dehydration, can have on your body are endless. Dehydration can occur due to the loss of water through perspiration, bowel and urine movements and even just from sweat! With that said, the water must be replenished and restored in the body by consuming foods and beverages that are high in water content. For some reason, people generally associate "drinking enough water" with the 8 by 8 theory; 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water. This is just NOT a good rule to follow. If you are exercising, dieting, have an active lifestyle, live in a hot or humid climate, are run down with a sickness, have a specific illness or health condition, and/or are pregnant or breastfeeding... you NEED more water than the "Average Joe"! Your body will give you very clear (pun intended!) signs to flag you when you need to be drinking more water; example, if your urine is a dark or moderate yellow, your body WANTS MORE WATER! A good rule of thumb, although a little crude, to keep is... if you're peeing white, you're peeing right! Colorless or light urine throughout the day is optimal, and is a perfect clue to know that your body is well-hydrated!

Drinking TOO much water is possible, but EXTREMELY and incredibly rare. Marathon runners and endurance-minded athletes are at a higher risk for this almost non-existent condition called hyponatremia. Overall, concern for the over-consumption of water isn't a valid or worthwhile fear to have.

so... in conclusion... DRINK MORE WATER. :)