FYI: Water

Water plays an essential role in our bodies:

•Water is essential for digesting food. It is also important for getting rid of various toxic elements from the body, in the form of urine, sweat and fecal matter.
•Water helps to cushion our joints and prevents shocks in them.
•Water present in blood is the carrier of oxygen and nutrients to all our body cells.
•Water present in lymph (a fluid that is part of our immune system) and helps the body to fight against various diseases.
•Water helps to regulate and maintain our body temperature.
•Water prevents dehydration and thus, helps to maintain proper metabolism in our body.

So how much water does the average, healthy adult need? In general, doctors recommend 8 or 9 cups. Here is a common way the Mayo Clinic suggests calculating that amount:

The average urine output for adults is about 1.5 liters (6.3 cups) a day. You lose close to an additional liter (about 4 cups) of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. Food usually accounts for 20 percent of your total fluid intake, so if you consume 2 liters of water a day (a little more than 8 cups) along with your normal diet, you will typically replace your lost fluids.

I’ve made it my goal this week to drink at least 2 liters of water daily… Whats your goal?