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The human body requires water, not only to sustain the cells and organs that are predominantly comprised of it, but also for maintenance and lubrication as well as other purposes, such as controlling body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Water is also key in flushing waster and toxins from our bodies. While our bodies require a regular intake of water, it is also important to be aware that it is constantly leaving the body as well. We lose it whenever we breathe, sweat and use the bathroom and that water needs to be replaced. Things such as physical activity level, a person's current health and the climate in which they live as well as the weather at any given time are also factors to consider when determining an appropriate level of water consumption. Not all water intake has to be from water exclusively, however a lot of it should. About 25% of the water we get is received from the foods we eat. Fruits and vegetables are a great source, counting toward your daily intake. Adding lemon or lime or infusing it with fresh fruits or herbs, gives water a fresh taste and makes it easier to drink more.
Some warning signs of dehydration are dark urine or an inability to urinate for an extended period of time, dry mouth, fatigue, inability to produce tears, extreme thirst, headaches, dizziness or muscle cramps. Conversely, it is also dangerous to drink too much water. When excessive amounts enters the body, it dilutes the sodium in your blood which can be very harmful if it isn't replaced. (Source: "Hydration 101" by Lindy Callahan, from Ageless, The Bulletin Special Projects, Bend, Oregon)
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