An average person's body is made up 60% to 70% of water. This fact alone makes water one of the most important nutrient for our body. Water is the universal solvent. It is necessary for life and good health. Adequate water consumption is vital for all energy production within the body, for temperature control (especially during exercise), for transportation of nutrients and waste products, and for the lubrication of the joints. Unless adequate water is consumed, the person is risking dehydration that could result in impaired exercise, fatigue, faulty regulation of body temperature, and potential heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

How much water should we drink?

It is recommended that the average person drinks around 8-10 glasses of water a day. However, this will not be enough for a very active person or in very hot summer temperatures. Unfortunately, not everybody drinks the adequate amount of water a day and this can have long term consequences on the body.

What are the signs of dehydration (lack of water in the body)?

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Irritability and depression
• Low back pain
• Recurring or chronic pain
• Stomach ache
• Water retention

One should not wait for a dry mouth before drinking, because a dry mouth is actually one of the last signs of dehydration before bodily functions become compromised. Dehydration produces system disturbances. Damage is occurring to the body before this symptom appears. By the time a person feels a dry mouth, the body is already in an advanced stage of dehydration from an optimum health perspective.

Does coffee count as water intake?

People often think that drinking cups of tea, coffee or even alcohol makes up for not drinking water. This is incorrect, because beverages with caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and aggravate dehydration. Instead of quenching your thirst these drinks can actually make you feel more thirsty.

When is the best time to drink?

The best time to drink water is one half hour before eating and two and one half hours after a meal. To be on the safe side, drink two glasses upon awaking and one more glass before retiring.