Water does your body good. Actually, it is the best choice for your body.

Water is essential for our bodies to function properly. From helping you look and feel your best to improving your overall physical and mental health, drinking enough water daily can make a real difference in your life.

Benefits of drinking water
About 60% of your body is made up of water. It regulates your body temperature and lubricates and cushions your joints. Water protects your organs, tissues and spinal cord. Cells need water to transport nutrients. Wastes and toxins are flushed out through sweat, urine and bowel movements—all of which require water. That’s why it’s so important to replace the fluids lost during activities.

Drinking enough water can also affect your mental health. When you are well-hydrated, your body has the oomph to help you stay alert, focused and productive throughout your day.

Dehydration
Without enough water, your body is not able to perform well. Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluids than you are taking in. Be sure to increase your fluid intake in hot weather, when you increase your physical activity or when you are sick (especially with vomiting, diarrhea or fever).

Some common signs of dehydration include:

• Extreme thirst.
• Dry mouth.
• Less sweat than usual.
• Dark-colored urine.
• Dry skin.
• Digestive problems.
• Headaches or dizziness.

The good news is that symptoms often go away when you rehydrate.

Choose water
Water is the healthiest beverage choice—100% natural and calorie-free. There are other helpful beverage options, like sports drinks. Sports drinks contain carbohydrates; minerals; electrolytes; and sometimes vitamins, which can be beneficial if you are doing high-intensity exercises or activities that have you sweating profusely. However, those drinks sometimes contain sugar, calories or caffeine. So water is often the best choice.

Some simple tips to increase your water intake include:

• Carrying a refillable water bottle with you.
• Opting for water when eating out—it saves money and calories!
• Adding a lemon wedge or other citrus fruits to your water for flavor.

Water is often overlooked as a key element to overall health. But drinking enough water is a daily necessity. Even being slightly dehydrated can cause symptoms. If you suspect significant dehydration, it is vital to seek medical attention at once.

Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Medline Plus