Why Is Drinking Water Important?

Fatigued? Muscle pain? Weight gain? You may not be drinking enough water. Every living thing needs water to survive. The human body, which is made up of about 60 percent water, uses it to carry out basic bodily functions. Staying hydrated also helps people to look and feel good.

Function

• Water is vital to every part of the body. Water in the blood helps to carry oxygen to the body's cells. Water also helps to digest food and rid the body of waste.

Warning

• Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can cause headaches, back pain, fatigue and even muscle spasms. Drinking water helps to fight off these ailments.

Diet

• Water is a healthy, zero-calorie appetite suppressant. Dietitians recommend downing a glass of water before giving in to a food craving. Studies show that water can help a person feel full and therefore eat fewer calories.

Beauty

• Drinking water flushes out harmful toxins in the body to help give you a radiant, healthy glow.

Expert Insight

• How much water a person should drink depends on his or her size, gender and activity level. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume about 13 cups of water a day and women consume about 9 cups a day.