If you suffer from dry skin, you are probably using a moisturizing shampoo. But, are you getting enough fluids? The cosmetic benefits of drinking water include firmer skin and healthier looking hair.

You can also benefit from a showerhead filter that removes chlorine from water. The chemical is very drying to your scalp. Beauty experts used to say that it was hot water that dried out the skin and the hair, but I have tried putting the shower on cold or lukewarm and there was no improvement, until I got a chlorine filter.

Now my skin is soft and shiny. But, that is a cosmetic benefit and we are here to talk about the importance of drinking water for your health.

The complete health benefits of drinking water are discussed in a book named "Your Body's Many Cries for Water". It is actually a collection of studies conducted by medical researchers. They explain how many of the painful sensations we experience are due to moderate or acute dehydration.

Take headaches, for example. The importance of drinking water to the brain has to do with its fluid content. More than 75% of its weight is fluid. A large portion, about 50%, is found in the form of essential fatty acids.

When either one is absent, the brains initial response is to produce histamines, which cause fatigue. It's a natural defense mechanism, meant to conserve fluids and prevent dehydration or even death.

The metabolism is slowed down by extreme diets, because the body believes you have a shortage of food. The production of histamine is meant to "slow you down", so that you don't use up liquids.

The benefits of drinking water may include fewer headaches. Pain relievers may shut down the signal and relieve the pain, but the fatigue will still be there. That's why several medical experts have written about the importance of drinking water for those who suffer from chronic fatigue.

The benefits of drinking water apply to back pain also. The discs in the back are like shock absorbers. They have an outer shell of flexible joint tissue that is filled with water. A properly hydrated disk absorbs the normal shock of physical activity and supports the weight of the body.

They are self-hydrating as long as long as a person recognizes the importance of drinking water. When fully hydrated, the outer shell of the disc supports 25% of the weight load and the fluid supports 75%. When they become dehydrated, the shell has to support a larger portion of the load, causing pain.

There are many other health benefits of drinking water, including appetite control. So, remember to drink for your health.