Fresh, clean water, the great wellspring of life, is so simple it is often overlooked. The human body is comprised of anywhere between 55% – 78% water. The brain alone consists of 90% water, the blood 83%, muscle 75% and bone 22%.

 

Water is essential for life, even more so than food. Most human beings can go weeks, even months without food but only a few days without adequate water. Water lost through normal bodily activities must be replaced. Lack of water leads to dehydration, a potentially life threatening condition. Every cell in the human body is dependent on water to function properly. Here are just a few great reasons to drink water:

· Water assists the body in nutrient absorption
· Water regulates body temperature
· Water protects vital organs
· Water detoxifies
· Water protects and lubricates joints
· Water transports oxygen to the cells
· Water helps with metabolism
· Water moisturizes the air in the lungs
· Water helps keep the skin (the body’s largest organ) vital
· Water promotes regularity

How Much Water Should You Drink?

We lose water everyday through perspiration, breath, urine and bowl movements. Although there is no hard and fast rule for how much water you should consume daily, there is a general rule of thumb. An easy amount to remember is half of your body weight in ounces per day.

Drink More Water If

· The weather is hot and humid
· You are exercising
· You have an illness with fever, vomiting or diarrhea
· You have dry indoor air
· You are at a high altitude

 

The Dangers of Contaminated Water

Some water is undeniably better than other water. Experts report that contaminated water kills more people than violence or war. The best source of water is one that filters out the bad and leaves the good. Never assume that your local water source is free of contaminants. Some of the dangers floating in unfiltered tap water include:

· Chlorine
· Fluoride
· Rocket Fuel
· Heavy Metals
· Drugs and Hormonally Active Chemicals