Water is the single most important nutrient we need. We we can only live a few days without it, yet none of us drink enough of it.

How much water do you drink?

During the summer, we sweat more, and the hotter it is outside, the more water we lose. As well, the average adult loses about 10 or more cups of water every day just through natural bodily functions.

Thirst is the first sign of dehydration. By the time you realize you’re thirsty, you’ve already lost two per cent of your body weight as sweat.

An easy way to monitor dehydration is the colour of your urine: the darker the colour, the more dehydrated you are. The lighter the colour, the more properly hydrated you are. Clear urine usually means well hydrated. Dark urine usually means dehydration.

Your body is mostly water: blood is 83 per cent water, muscles 73 per cent, bone 22 per cent and fat 35 per cent. That’s the equivalent of about 10 to 12 gallons of water in your body.

Water helps your body remove waste, transport nutrients, moisturize skin and keep your temperature normal. It also helps prevent muscle cramping and lubricates the joints throughout your body. When properly hydrated, you can exercise longer and feel less tired. Water helps the blood transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to your cells. Without enough water, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body.

Water can also rev up your metabolism. A recent study showed that drinking water can promote weight loss by lowering total caloric intake.

Water is essential in digestion. Dehydration can cause your colon to become dry, making it difficult to pass waste.

Water also helps reduce the risk of kidney stones, because water dilutes the salts and minerals that form solid crystals in your urine. Diluted urine can’t form kidney stones.

Dehydration can also cause fine lines and wrinkles in your skin. Water hydrates skin cells, flushing impurities and improving circulation, making your skin look younger. So go ahead: have a drink of water. Your body will thank you for it.

To learn more, visit me at www.felycesfitness.ca.