Dramatically but realistically put - water is essential for survival.

The human body is made up of between 55% and 75% water, and every internal system depends on it. Without it we would only last a few days. If you are training or exercising then you need to increase the recommended 8 x 8oz glasses a day as you expel more fluids during exercise. While a person would have to lose 10 percent of their body weight in fluids to be considered dehydrated, as little as 1 to 2 percent can leave a person feeling sapped of energy and can also affect athletic performance, causing tiredness and dull critical thinking abilities. Drinking the right amount of water is also essential to keep the salts in our body in a non toxic form and for maintaining healthy skin.

Water also suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolise stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop.

The human body responds very well to routine, so by getting into the habit of drinking water it becomes easier and more natural than managing without it. Having a glass close by and just sip away throughout the day makes it easier to consume than drinking a full glass in one go. If your body needs to do this without having just taken part in any physical activity, the chances are that it is already dehydrated.

Also one to watch is if you are finding yourself thirsty and therefore urinating more frequently for no apparent reason, it might be worth while visiting your Doctor as an increase in thirst is a sign of diabetes. It is said that pregnant and nursing mothers should also increase their intake above the daily recommended amount to between 10 and 12 glasses a day respectively.

You can consume your water intake through other beverages and foods as well, although the healthiest is of course ordinary still water. But if you have certain fruits in your daily diet they can count towards your recommended daily intake. Oranges for example are 87% water and cucumbers are 95% water.

Drinking water throughout your meal can actually interfere with the natural digestive juices performing their duty of breaking down food. So it is better to have a glass before you eat, and then wait for at least an hour afterwards allowing your stomach acids to work more proficiently.

Some of the benefits of drinking water are:

• Improves energy.
• Increases mental and physical performance.
• Removes toxins & waste products from the body.
• Keeps skin healthy and glowing.
• Helps to lose weight.
• Reduces headaches and dizziness.
• Allows for proper digestion.
• Helps to keep you more Alkaline.