by Cory Davison

Created on: April 07, 2009

Water composes all life. It is the single most important substance within the human body. You can survive for several weeks without food, but less than a week without water. Why do we need water so badly? Well, our bodies are 55-60% water, and our brains are 95% water. Water is to humans as oil is to a car; it's absolutely necessary for function.

Dehydration is one of the most common, yet most devastating problems in the modern world. So many people are dehydrated throughout their entire lives and don't even realize it. The human body requires between 2-8 liters of water a day. A simple way to tell if you're dehydrated is by the color of your urine. If it's even a moderately dark yellow, you're likely dehydrated. Your urine should be a very light yellow or even clear. Dehydration has many adverse side effects. Some of the milder effects include headaches, muscle cramps, hypotension, and dizziness. When dehydration is more severe, you may experience lethargy, fainting, seizures, or even death.

The benefits of proper hydration are astounding. It greatly improves all brain function, and also provides a general sense of wellbeing. You may also notice an increased amount of emotional constraint; you will become angry and/or frustrated far less frequently. You will feel an increased ability to concentrate during tasks as well as increased amount of energy throughout the day.

The physical benefits of sufficient hydration match the mental benefits. Firstly, your muscles will feel far more energized. This is particularly important if you plan to partake in any physical activity. The additional energy will allow you to push yourself even farther, especially during strenuous activities such as weightlifting. Proper hydration combats muscle cramps as well. If you experience frequent cramps while participating in any physical activity, the first thing you should do is increase your water intake. Also, drinking plenty of water can help you out if you tend to have "troubles in the bathroom". Frequently, constipation is caused by insufficient water intake. The waste is then unable to accumulate enough water when passing through the digestive system, which results in constipation.

I have listed only but a few of the benefits of water. Sufficient water intake is vital in keeping your body healthy. If you truly want to live a healthier, happier, longer life, make sure you drink at 2-8 liters of water a day; it will keep you thinking properly, moving properly, and disposing properly.

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