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A great deal of attention is often given to the question of how much water you should drink, and answers can be confusingly different. Many sources cite the well-known "8-10 glasses a day" rule, but others may encourage you to drink 12 or more glasses, or only to drink when you are thirsty. So who do you believe? What, you may ask, is the deal with all these glasses of water? How, exactly, can you be expected to drink twelve glasses of water and not spend all your free time in the bathroom?

Most of us know how important water is for life. In fact, water makes up approximately 60% of your total body weight. Not only does it hydrate your body's tissues, but your body uses water to help it get rid of waste and toxins. Water also helps the body to break down minerals and regulate body temperature. Without the proper amount of water, the body is less able to perform these functions adequately, and begins to show symptoms of dehydration, including headaches, muscle weakness, and dizziness. Mild dehydration is usually easily cured by drinking more fluids, but can be life threatening if not treated.

Okay, so water is important. But how much should you drink? The answer depends on a number of factors. Ideally, you are trying to replace all the fluids you have lost, whether you are exercising, standing in a desert, or just sitting on the couch letting your kidneys do their job. On average, a healthy adult needs to replace about 2.5 liters a day of lost fluids. Naturally, if you live in a hot climate, exercise a lot, are ill, or are pregnant or nursing, your fluid intake should be higher. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average person should consume about 2 liters (a little over 8 cups) of liquids a day. The remaining 20% of required fluids are generally taken in through food.

Some sources will tell you that if water is not taken in ONLY in the form of pure water, it doesn't count towards your water requirement. Nothing can be added to the water, not even a teaspoon of lemon juice. This is just silliness. If that were true, then water you drank right before or after a glass of juice would be mixed with juice in your stomach, and then wouldn't count. While it is always a good idea to have a least a couple of glasses of water a day, since water is inexpensive and free of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and calories, your water intake can include sources like juice, milk, or even watermelon.

Tips for Staying Hydrated:

1. Don't drink only when thirsty. By the time you

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