Water is important to all living things; a person can live up to 6 weeks without food but only a few days without water. Water is needed by every cell of the body if the body lacks water, the bloodstream becomes sluggish and the entire body suffers.

Body's Water Requirements:

• Water makes up about 70% of our total body weight (50 liters in the body of an average man and 40 liters for a woman).
• The body requires 1/3 more water than thirst indicates. The following routine will help meet the body's water needs. Drink 2 glasses of water upon arising, 2 glasses midmorning and 2 glasses mid-afternoon.
• Approximately 10 glasses of water are lost in the following bodily process: kidneys excrete 51/2 through urine, lungs lose 2 glasses through the breath, skin loses 2 glasses through perspiration and gastrointestinal tract loses ½ glasses in the stool.
• Water during meals. The body prefers slightly warm to cool water because very cold water shuts down the digestion (if taken at mealtime) and diminishes the body's thirst signals. Avoid drinking water within 30 minutes before a meal and 1-2 hours after mealtime. Drinking with meals dilute the enzymes (that digest the food) and delays digestion.
• Water is essential for efficient circulation of the blood which is 90% water. The bloodstream carries oxygen and nutrients to every body cell and transports the cell's waste products to the kidneys, lungs and skin for removal. The bloodstream transports the white blood cells that fight disease-causing germs in the body.
• Water helps prevent and relieve mental fatigue. This is not surprising as the brain is 85% water. Many headaches are relieved by drinking one glass of water every 10 minutes for one hour.

• Water is necessary for saliva production in the mouth.
• Water is needed for the eyes to produce tears.
• Water keeps the body temperature within a healthy range. It helps to bring down fever.
• Water lubricates the joints and muscles.

Conditions wherein requirements of water by the body is increase:

• High fever, hard physical work, or any other activity that increases body sweating.
• Illnesses such as the common cold which results in increased upper respiratory tract secretions.
• Dry air (either as very hot desert air or very cold winter air).
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• Nursing mothers (breast milk production).
• High protein diet, high salt or sugar intake, and vitamin and mineral supplements - all increase the work of the kidneys in handling wastes.