Drinking Water- Why Should I Drink So Much Water?-

When I drink a lot of water, I always have to go to the bathroom

At first, that's true.  When you are chronically dehydrated, your body recognizes the threat to survival.  Extra water is stored outside the cells, in the extra cellular space.  What you see is swollen feet, legs and hands.  When your body gets what it needs, it uses the water properly instead of "hoarding" the water.  You won't have to pee all the time and you won't feel so bloated.

(Dehydration.)

But I'm trying to lose weight...

If you are trying to lose weight, drink more water.  There is water in food (some cuts of beef are as much as 65% water).  When you're dehydrated, your body is going to try and get more water one way or another.  You might be thirsty but think you are hungry and eat when you should be drinking water.  Even if you eat healthy food that is full of water, it's extra calories.  Wouldn't it be smarter to drink water-zero calories?

(Stafford, Jen.)

Why is so much water each day so important?

Water:

• Helps flush bad toxins out of organs
• Regulates body temperature
• Moistens skin, eyes, nose, and mouth
• Got zits? Water promotes clear, healthy and resilient skin and helps prevent wrinkles
• Is needed to protect joints and organs from shock and injury
• Metabolizes stored fat more efficiently, which reduces fat deposits
• Prevents muscle cramps
• Promotes good kidney function and prevents bloating (Dehydration.)
• Your brain is 82% water; your muscles are 76% water; your blood is 83% water; even your bones have water (22%). So when you don't have enough water, nothing works right

("Dehydration's effects.")

You use up water each day when you breathe and sweat, urinate and have a bowel movement.

(Dehydration.)

People have lived for weeks without food.  But going 5-7 days without any water will cause death .

("Dehydration's effects.")

Dehydration. 3 Jan. 2007 Mayo Clinic. 13 Apr. 2007  <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561/DSECTION=1>. 

"Dehydration's effects - mild to devastating." Uliveto. 2005. 26 May, 2007 http://www.uliveto.com.au/index.php?section=Water&content=7.

Stafford, Jen. "H2O is a daily Necessity." Calvin College. 13 Nov. 1997. 8 May, 2007 <www-stu.calvin.edu/chines/971106/f5.htm>.