Water:

-Maintains body temperature
-Aids in digestion
-Metabolizes fat
-Lubricates organs
-Cushions organs
-Transports nutrients
-Flushes out toxins
-The body excretes water constantly through sweat, urine and exhaled air, which is why it's so important to replenish your body with an ample amount of water every day. Most health professionals agree that the average human body requires from 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. I advocate drinking at least 1/2 gallon each day and 1 full gallon on the days you train. Get yourself a 32oz. Tupperware cup and take it to work. Make it a point to fill that thing up 4 times per day. There's your gallon!!!

DEHYDRATION

If you're experiencing the following symptoms, chances are, you need more water than you're currently drinking.

Mild dehydration symptoms:
Thirst
Dry lips
Dry mouth

Moderate dehydration symptoms:
Lack of skin elasticity
Sunken eyes

Severe dehydration symptoms:
All the above symptoms
Rapid, weak pulse
Cold extremities
Rapid breathing
Confusion
Lethargy

In addition to simply neglecting to drink enough water, the human body can become dehydrated from vomiting, diarrhea, overexposure to the sun and fever. Diuretics and natural diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine can also cause dehydration. Although drinking plenty of water can easily cure most cases of dehydration, if not tended to, severe cases of dehydration can result in death.

BODY PARTS & WATER

Every part of the human body depends on adequate hydration to function properly: from your skin to the brain. The following is an examination of the body and its need for water:

Skin - Without water, it becomes dry and cracked. It is also the main conduit for releasing water from the body. Proper hydration is key to keeping your skin looking smooth, healthy and young.

Joints and Bones - Water acts as a lubricant between bones. Without water, bones may rub against each other and become brittle.

Blood - It thickens when the body's lacking water, which makes it difficult for the heart to pump and distribute blood to the rest of the body. Plus, capillaries shut down creating obstacles for nutrients circulating to vital organs.

Kidneys - Without water, the kidneys are unable to remove toxins, wastes and salt from the blood. The risk of kidney stones also increases.

Liver - Metabolizes fat. But if the body's not getting enough water, it has to perform some of the kidney's functions, which means it's not metabolizing as much fat as it should.

Digestive System - When the body's dehydrated, the organs of the digestive system have to work harder than normal and become strained, which results in constipation and abdominal cramps.

Brain - Without water, the body will experience a loss of nutrients flowing to the brain. Temporary results are dizziness, confusion and irritability. Long periods of dehydration can cause permanent damage to the brain. Water also cushions the brain, which means, if the body is dehydrated, the brain is more vulnerable.