Do you ever forget to breathe? Because, if we did, we might be six feet under. So how come we forget to drink water? There are many people who do forget to drink water, amazing? Just like how oxygen is vital for surviving, simply put, water plays an enormous part in our lives. There must have been many times during the day when we feel tired, low, exhausted or need that burst of energy in our body, and we reach out for food to satisfy our cravings, wherein we might actually be needing water to quench our thirst and get our energy levels up.

Health benefits of drinking water: Your daily intake
Staying properly hydrated is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay in good health. The more water we drink, the healthier we become. Water increases the quality and the length of our lives. By developing good hydration habits, we, i.e. our body functions well. As we age, we become less sensitive to loss of water in our body, which leads to body wrinkles.

Drinking plenty of water is good idea to keep body lines, wrinkles, dehydration, etc at bay. Studies say that we should aim for ? oz of water per pound of body weight. We lose water through sweat, urine or bowel movements. It is preferable to sip water throughout the day rather than to gulp it because it will give your body more time to absorb it. Drinking at least 8 - 10 glasses of water a day is beneficial to us - for our skin, for our weight, for general good health.

1. It improves your energy, tones muscles you mental and physical performance and helps in weight loss.
2. It flushes out wastes, toxins, transports nutrients and regulates body temperature and allows for proper digestion.
3. Keeps skin healthy and glowing, as the skin feels moist with increase in energy levels.
4. It also alleviates migraine headaches, high blood cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis pain, asthma allergies, and high blood pressure. By hydrating your body you can minimize your back pain.
5. Increased water consumption often helps to regulate our appetite because we often mistake our thirst for hunger and eat food when in fact our body is craving for fluid.

No alternatives for water
There is no substitute for this wonderful drink. Most people think that by consuming other liquids, they have had their share of water. But it is not so, sodas, beverages; coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks, etc. cannot be substitutes for water in any way. If you consume too much of beverages, coffee, etc. you rob your body of important vitamins, minerals, stimulate your pancreas, increase insulin level and takes the body out of its natural fat burning state.

Water and Weight
If you're trying to lose weight, water intake is important, as it's good for digestion and prevents overeating. If you are not getting plenty of water, you will eat more to satisfy your body's craving for water. Water mobilizes and reduces the amount of fat deposit. A natural appetite suppressant, developing a good water drinking habit can be a long-term aid in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Need for Water
Factors that influence water needs are exercises, environment, illness or health conditions and pregnancy or breastfeeding. Water is especially important for pregnant women and nursing mothers. For athletes and workout fanatics, drinking water reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance.

In addition, since water reduces body temperature, it makes the whole exercise process safer and more effective. Water is also an important "healing tool" for people with a history of kidney stones. Drinking water is also valuable in preventing urinary tract infections in both men and for women, flushing impurities out of the system. Drinking large amount of water eases the digestion process of solid foods. Adequate intake of water gives muscles a better contraction and tone. Prevents skin sagging, and finally maintains clear, healthy skin.

Water intake
An easy way is to start the day with the intake of a fresh cup or two of water. These first glasses are so critical because you are reversing any mild dehydration that may have occurred overnight, especially if you cut off your water consumption a couple of hours before bedtime in order to reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom.

If you are in the habit of showering and dressing before you go to the kitchen in the morning, you could leave a bottle of water to drink while getting ready. It is best to drink water on an empty stomach in order to avoid unnecessary dilution of digestive juices, have a glass or two of water, a half hour before and after meals.

Try to get into the habit of bringing a water bottle with you when you go out, whether to shop, walk or to an activity. When it is something as simple and inexpensive as drinking water, make the most of it ? don't wait till you are thirsty. Drink water constantly throughout the day.