The Best Ways to Clean Your System by Drinking Water

Water cleans and refreshes the body. The human body absolutely cannot survive without water, and yet only a few people understand the importance of drinking water. Water is a requirement of all bodily functions. Your blood, heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and muscles all require an adequate amount of water to keep you healthy.

The Importance of Drinking Water

• Although the percentage of water you require depends on your weight, your body is mostly made of water. Even blood is 95% water.

  Water helps tone muscles and skin. In fact, most skin problems result from toxins polluting the body that can be eliminated by drinking more water. Furthermore, the kidneys and liver are responsible for eliminating waste from the body and both require a significant amount of water. The kidneys, for example, consists of more than 80 percent water.

  Water is also a partner of your digestive system. It's suggested that you drink water before and after meals because water helps break down the foods you consume, allowing your digestive system to stay on course.

Amount to Consume

• Most people aren't aware they're either under-hydrated or dehydrated.

  Preliminary studies suggest you drink eight to10 glasses of water daily to replace the water your body has lost. Eating fruits and vegetables also will help restore water to the body. But most rehydration should be done by drinking water.

  If you're over your recommended weight, drink one glass more for every 25 pounds. This will ensure your body has enough water to keep the body functioning while you work on taking off the extra pounds.

Signs of Dehydration

• The body has several ways of letting you know when it's dehydrated. A few signs of dehydration include indigestion, constipation, weight gain, fluid retention, dark urine, kidney stones, bladder and urinary tract infections, and dry lips.

Tips for Drinking More Water

• Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water can be an overwhelming task, if you're not used to drinking much water. Carry water with you whenever you can. It's best to buy a good reusable water bottle rather than always purchasing a new plastic one when you need a drink.

  You can start by drinking water (instead of or in addition to your regular beverage) during your breaks at work.

  Replace soda and other drinks with water when you eat your meals.

  Drink water before and after eating a meal.

  Take a water bottle with you on long trips or when you're away from home most of the day. There are water bottles on the market with parts that can be frozen to keep your water cold.

  If you're not already drinking water regularly during workouts, beginning drinking water before, during, and after you exercise.