The human body is made up of over 75% of water, and as we all know, we cannot live without water. The fact is, we can only survive for a total of 3 days without water. We need water for digestion, to absorb nutrients, to help us move (by lubricating our joints), to get rid of waste products and to regulate our body temperature. If the body doesn't have enough water (known as dehydration), it won't function as well. Water has however, been replaced in most diets by soft drinks and other sugar sweetened refreshments. Keep in mind that water is healthier and necessary for leading yourself towards better health and longevity.

Your own personal need for water can vary greatly due to how much and when you run, your weight, and the temperature. Research has proven that over 2/3 of adults don't get the water they need on a daily basis. By drinking water on a regular basis you can replenish your body and keep it well hydrated and functioning as it should be.

A majority of us wait until we are thirsty before we drink water. Keep in mind, this way isn't a

reliable gauge of the water needs for the body. By the time you are thirsty you have already lost two of more cups of the body's water supply. Therefore, drinking water regularly is much better than simply waiting until you are thirsty. Sipping from a drink bottle throughout the day is the best idea.

It is very important that you don't substitute  beverages like alcohol and caffeine for water. The reason behind this is that those types of beverages act as a diuretic and can cause you to lose more weight through increased urination. You may think and feel as if you are getting more water through these beverages, although the fact is that you are letting it go almost as fast as you consume it.

Anytime you exercise, you need more water. Due to perspiration, your body will lose quite a bit of water. For each ½ kg body weight lost due to exercise, you need to drink 2 cups of water. Even when you lay down to sleep, your body loses water. This is because there is water in your breath when you exhale, but the air you inhale is dry. Basically, you wake up dehydrated, so before you reach for your first coffee of the day, drink a glass of water (preferably with a squeeze of lemon in it!).

There are several mixed opinions as to whether  filtered water will actually provide benefit. This is a subject you should explore yourself as you determine the best type of water for yourself.  Personally I prefer filtered water as I drank tank water for many years and can now taste all the added chemicals in tap water. However, please avoid bottled water as much as possible. The environmental impact of this is devastating!!

Always make it a habit to drink water on a daily basis. You should keep a bottle of water with you at all times and drink it throughout the day. You should also teach yourself to drink water instead of other beverages that don't replenish the nutrients your body needs.