Nobel Prize winner Albert Szent-Gyorgyi once said, “Water is life's mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.”  Nothing is truer.  Two-thirds of the human body is made of water.  It is essential to our basic survival.  While it definitely keeps us alive, water does so much more in terms of nurturing and protecting our general health.  We tend to overlook the benefits of drinking water, favoring instead sodas, coffee and other high-caffeinated drinks.  We are unfortunately short-changing ourselves in so many ways when we fail to consume an adequate supply of water each day.

When we do not drink enough water, our

• Skin pays the price.  Water hydrates the skin, keeping it from looking tired and unhealthy.  Water prevents the skin from drying out, and assists in pushing out built up toxins that tend to ravage skin.
   
• Heart works too hard.  A properly hydrated body thins the blood, making it easier for the heart to pump.  When the heart does less work, it lasts longer and we live longer.
   
• Energy levels are low.  The human body tends to lose water as the day progresses, which leads to that sluggish feeling we seem to get half way through the day.  By drinking water to replenish what is lost, not only does our body feel better, but we also experience a natural energy boost.
   
• Body hoards water.  Our body knows it needs water to survive and it will do whatever it takes to get it.  If you fail to provide it with a steady source of water, it freaks out thinking you are never going to give it enough water again!  It panics and starts storing every little bit of water it can find.  This hoarding process contributes to what we call water weight.
   
• Oxygen levels are lower.  Proper hydration leads to greater oxygen levels in the bloodstream. The more oxygen our body has available, the more fat it can burn for energy, and less is stored.

How much water should you be drinking?  The standard recommendation used to be 64 ounces.  Nowadays, more and more experts are recommending that you drink at least half your body weight in water.  In other words, if you weight 160 lbs, you should be drinking 80 ounces of water a day.  However, your water consumption rate will depend on several factors.  For instance, it is recommended that people, who are more active, drink an additional eight ounces for every 20 minutes of activity.  If you drink alcohol, it is also suggested that you drink an equal amount in water.  Individuals who love their coffee or caffeinated beverages, you will also need to drink more water to compensate as these drinks have a diuretic effect, pulling water from your body.  Finally, individuals suffering from some medical conditions may need to limit their daily water consumption.  You should talk to your physician about what is best for you. 

 
Around 20 percent of your daily water consumption will come from foods.  Apples, broccoli, lemons, oranges, lettuce, cucumbers and watermelon are composed of 75 percent or more of water, and are a great source of hydration.  The rest of your water consumption will come from beverages.  Plain water is always best, but consuming milk, fruit juice and other non-caffeinated beverages will count toward your daily intake.

It can be hard to try and incorporate more water into your routine, especially if you are not used to doing it.  Here are a few easy tips to get you started.

• Begin meals with a cup of broth-based soup (low sodium the best).
   
• Carry a water bottle at all times.
   
• Try a flavored water instead of soda (check calories though).
   
• Add lemon or lime to plain water if you get tired of the taste.
   

Given the numerous health benefits water provides, finding ways to consume more is a must.  Henry David Thoreau apparently thought so too, declaring, “Water is the only drink for a wise man.”  Flaunt your wisdom and start drinking more water today!

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