Water is a vital element for life. Plants, animals and humans need water in order to survive. Around 60 percent of the human body is made up of water. Humans can live a few weeks without food but only a few days without water. The average human needs about 5 gallons a day to survive, although the average American uses about 100 gallons a day to live. Water is one of the most important elements of life and yet we seem to treat it with a common disregard.

The average healthful adult should be drinking at least one eight ounce cup an hour, in order to replace fluids lost through exercise and work. The consumption of certain foods and drinks will increase your need for water. Milk, salty foods and sugary drinks can actually dehydrate you causing your body to need more water. If you are a physically active athlete, you may need more water than the average person. On hot days, you will need more, as well. However, it is important to remember, your kidneys can only work so fast so it is important not to overload them with too much water all at once because drinking too much water at once can have fatal consequences. It is called hyponatremia. As with anything, moderation is the key.

Drinking water may even actually help you with your diet. Due to the lack of water in our bodies and the abundance of dehydrating drinks, often times our thirst is mistaken for hunger. Drinking water is a good way to combat that "hunger". Water also increases your metabolism. So, next time you are thirsty or hungry, grab a cup of water. If you are still hungry after drinking water, you will have a more accurate assessment of your hunger.

Water can also combat many headaches, body aches and improve focus. The reason being that many of these symptoms are signs of dehydration. Grab a cup of water, when you feel these symptoms coming on, you may be surprised at the results.

Water is also an excellent tool for healthy skin. Drinking water not only moisturizes skin it can also cleanse it, all from the inside out. It can reduce acne by flushing out the toxins from the skin. It can also reduce wrinkles. In nature, when something loses its moisture and becomes dehydrated, it becomes wrinkled. The same goes for your skin. If it is not getting enough water, it can also become wrinkled. Especially if you drink alcohol, use cigarettes, or caffeine, all of which can dehydrate your body. So, don't forget to give your skin what it needs by drinking enough water, as well.

Drink well, live well!