Water and anti-oxidants could be called the keys to good health. Your skin texture is the best indicator of your body's health and water-content. If your skin's texture is dry, cracked and has many fine lines, it is obvious that your water intake is not sufficient. Common symptoms of dehydration are: thirst, loss of skin elasticity, dryness, decreased urine production, irritability, restlessness and fatigue. Fatigue can actually lead to nervous disorders, weight gain and over time, having negative effects on your over all general health.

Water affects and is needed for all functions of the body - this includes the skin and internal organs. Water is vital to the look, texture, function and health of all organs but we can see the need on the skin. Without water, nothing would be energized. Our DNA would be damaged, our immune system would not work properly, toxins would build up in our body, and all of our cells would dry up, leaving us dehydrated. It is essential that our body receive an adequate amount of water each day. Water is an important part of the hydro-lipidic layer on top of the skin that acts like a barrier against internal water loss. It also protects the skin from elements that try to harm our body daily, like bacteria, pollutants, and UV radiation.

The visible signs on the skin help us know we are over due in water needs. Our skin will become dry, irritated, sensitive, blotchy, tight, cracked and dull if we do not drink enough water. So keeping the water content of the skin cells high will keep the cells lubricated and hydrated. This is needed for the skin cells an cells in all organs to be plump, nourished, and to the skin, young-looking. Water also helps maintain a clear complexion. Indigestion, constipation, or any other type of metabolic problem causes blemishes on the skin, also acne breakouts, lines, irritation, eczema and other skin problems. When we drink enough water, the skin acts like our third kidney, filtering out impurities, removing them from the body leaving our skin clear and healthy. Collagen and elastin in the skin must have moisture. Without water, these fibers become stiff and hard, making skin loses its flexibility and pliability. This allows other aging symptoms to appear as well. Skin may also appear tight, puffy and blotchy, with an almost balloon look. Without enough water the body holds water to survive.

It is evident that the best way to have normal, functioning cells is to drink an adequate amount of water. We can get water into our system in two ways: first drink pure, clean, natural water. Tap water needs to be filtered to remove the chlorine. Second eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The foods with high water-content are also high in beneficial nutrients and antioxidants: romaine lettuce, tomatoes, watercress, zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, cantaloupes, carrots, grapefruit, oranges and their juice, peaches, spinach, watermelon, apples, blueberries, yogurt, tofu, kiwis, avocados, plums, soy milk, cooked whole grains, beans and soups.

How much water should you consume each day? Our bodies lose up to three quarts of water a day because of digestion, assimilation and elimination. The body does not store excess water, so drinking six to eight glasses of water per day will replenish what is lost. This amount may vary based on your weight, health condition, activity level, etc. An easy way to calculate your personal daily need is to drink half of your body's weight in fluid ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you need about 75 ounces of water a day, that is up to nine, eight ounce glasses a day. Keep in mind, beverages containing caffeine have an adverse affect on the body. Caffeine will cause you to lose more water through urine. Caffeinated beverages do include water, but they also include other ingredients that negate water's cleansing effect and may cause other health issues in addition to dehydration.

To stay healthy and feeling young the next in importance is antioxidant rich vegetables and fruits. We've all heard broccoli, tomatoes, and green tea are "super foods" to be included in our diet, but what about apples, artichokes, nuts, and a slew of other antioxidant-rich foods? They help stabilize free radicals (molecular compounds linked with diseases such as cancer), I recommend eating foods high in antioxidants everyday.

Antioxidant-packed foods to keep in mind while you shop: Apples: Red Delicious in particular. Berries: Especially blueberries, but also cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Artichokes: Artichokes are one of the highest vegetables for antioxidants. Oregano: Make it easy to reach in the kitchen, so you'll use it for soups, pizzas, etc. Nuts: Pecans! Use them in baking your favorite holiday recipes this season. Beans: Small red beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans. Plums and Prunes: They make good snacks! Cherries: Fresh, frozen, sweet of sour but not in syrup or maraschino. Nature has provided what we need to stay healthy and looking great. Choose natural foods and beverages.