Divide your weight in half. This number in ounces is your recommended daily fluid intake. Water, water everywhere, but few people are getting enough to drink. However, drinking enough fluids maintains good health and can prevent serious health complications. According to the August issue of Mayo Clinic Women s HealthSource, even mild dehydration can lead to health problems such as lethargy and constipation.
Pronounced dehydration can pose a life-threatening risk to the very young and very old.
The human body s water content varies from person to person, but the average range is from fifty to eighty percent. Every system in the body depends on water to maintain proper function. Water regulates body temperature, removes wastes, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, cushions joints, prevents constipation, removes some toxins, and helps to dissolve vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. In addition to maintaining good health, there is some evidence that water can prevent some disease. Water can prevent kidney stones, and drinking enough water has been associated with a lower incidence of colon cancer.