by Kathryn Lavallee

Created on: December 15, 2006   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Water. It has been called the liquid of life, the universal solvent, the equivalent of American beer. (Just kidding.) But how much is enough, and is there such a thing as too much?

Most health experts recommend between six and eight 8 oz glasses of water daily. Some beverages count towards that eight glass goal, while others cancel out the water you have had. For example, milk and juice can count towards your daily water requirement, so by drinking the recommended three glasses of milk daily, you have only five glasses of water to consume. However, if you drink coffee, tea or soda, each cup you have creates a need for an extra glass of water.

So why drink water? Obviously, water is essential because of the high content of water in the human body. Between 50 and 65 percent of the human body is comprised of water. But did you know water has also been credited with solving numerous other health problems? From weight control to controlling migraines, water seems to be capable of some pretty amazing things. There has even been proof that some arthritis sufferers can gain relief by increasing water consumption.

With all the benefits water can offer, you should drink as much as you can, right? If eight glasses can help your headaches and control your weight, then sixteen glasses should be even better! Surprisingly, though water has no caloric value, there is such a thing as too much.

A surplus of water can actually interfere with your body's absorption of valuable minerals like iron and calcium. By drinking too much water, the minerals are flushed out of the body before they can be absorbed. That's why that magical number eight is so important. Studies have shown that eight glasses a day will give you all the benefits water has to offer with the minimum loss of nutrients.

So grab a glass and fill it up! More than half the population of North America is mildly dehydrated at this very moment. If water's not your "cup of tea," add a slice of lemon or some grated ginger. Just don't go overboard!

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