A hydrated body, is a happy body.

We have all been told many times that water makes up more than half of our body weight. But what does that mean? And why is water so important? Maybe these questions seem silly, but the truth is how many of us really know how important water is to our bodies?

Before we talk about the benefits of being hydrated, lets look at what happens to us when were dehydrated.

Dehydration by definition means your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. There are 3 levels of dehydration, mild, moderate, or severe these levels are based on how much of the body's fluid is lost or not replenished. When it is severe, dehydration is a life-threatening emergency.

Even mild dehydration which is as little as a 1% to 2% percent loss of your body weight, can make you feel sluggish and tired. Dehydration poses health risks for all ages because when you are dehydrated your body starts to ration and hold excess water, because it is not getting enough and it does not know when it will get a sufficient amount to run properly.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration:
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Sunken eyes
- Inability to produce tears
- Muscle weakness or cramping
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Infrequent or dark urination

Note: Dark yellow urine indicates that your body is holding onto water for emergency purposes rather than using it freely for its necessary functions.

There are many health benefits to drinking an adequate amount of water, but unfortunately these benefits have been undervalued, generally due to a lack of education on the issue. If you take away anything from today's blog I would hope it is a better understanding of why water is so vital to your overall health.

Being hydrated can:

- Improve your overall health

Water helps your body get rid of waste material through bowel movements, sweat and urine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you couldn't excrete waste products you would eventually be poisoned by them and die. Being well-hydrated also improves your ability to fight illnesses because water is part of lymph fluid, a part of your immune system. You're also less likely to feel day-to-day malaise if you're hydrated since being dehydrated can cause symptoms such as headaches, back pain, muscle weakness, fatigue and dizziness.

- Improve body temperature and regulation

Your body only functions properly within a narrow temperature range. A few degrees too high can cause brain damage or harm other vital organs. When you're in summer heat and raking your lawn, your body helps itself cool down by evaporating perspiration on your skin. However, you're at risk of overheating if you're not drinking enough fluids to sweat out. Bring a water bottle with you wherever you go and drink regularly to continue replenishing your body's water supply.

- Increase body lubrication

Your body is full of structures that are susceptible to damage if they're not surrounded by fluid. When you're hydrated, your joints, spinal cord, eyes and brain are cushioned against shock by a layer of water, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension website. Having extra lubrication in your body also improves your ability to eat and digest food because water is in your saliva and the mucous that helps move food through your digestive tract. Being well-hydrated also helps keep your skin moist and supple and reduces your risk of developing dry skin complications such as dermatitis, cracks and infection.

- Improve weight maintenance

Drinking water or water-rich fluids on a regular basis can help you maintain a healthier weight or even lose weight. Drinking water instead of soda can quench your thirst without adding calories to your diet and may suppress or distract your appetite if you drink it when you experience a food craving. Water is also essential for weight loss because your body needs to flush out the byproducts of the fat it's breaking down.

- Improve physical efficiency

In addition to helping your body maintain a stable temperature, being well-hydrated -- ideally by drinking water every 15 minutes or so during sporting events -- helps keep your muscles strong and active. Water helps your body transport oxygen to your muscles, which means they are also more efficient during physical labor.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/443987-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-being-hydrated/#ixzz1kLpgxvkg

Tips on how to stay hydrated:

- Invest in a nice water bottle, you can usually measure out the amount you need to stay hydrated and having it on hand helps to remind you. I kind of mindlessly drink water, just as much as I look at my cell phone for no reason.

- Make a schedule, drink 1 quart in the morning, 1 in the afternoon, and 1 in the evening.

- Put 8 rubber bands around your wrist and take one off for every glass of water you have, it serves as a reminder and keeps you on track at the same time.

- Make your water more interesting, try adding some lemon, mint, lime, watermelon, or even a packet of crystal light as a treat to yourself.

- Minimize caffeine and alcohol intake as that can also contribute to dehydration.

With all of that being said I vow to drink my 8 glasses or 2 quarts a day everyday! Increased health and less fat all for ZERO calories! I love water! :) I also like this article called 8 glasses a day keeps the fat away:

http://www.highvibrations.org/archive3/water.htm