The Vital Role of Water: Health Benefits and Hydration

Water is one of the most important elements in the human body. Your body is made up of approximately 70 percent water and you must keep yourself hydrated in order for your organs to function properly.

• Keep yourself hydrated with a cool glass of water.

Good for the Heart

• The American Journal of Epidemiology published a six-year study in 2002 that said that people who drink more than five glasses of water per day had a 41 percent lower chance of dying from a heart attack than those who drank fewer than two glasses.

Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

• Drinking an ample amount of water per day can reduce your risk of certain cancers, including colon, bladder and breast cancer.

Energy

• Your energy level can plummet if you are even the slightest bit dehydrated. Drink water throughout the day, not just when you're thirsty. Thirst is your body's way of telling you that you are already dehydrated.

Considerations

• The general recommendation for water consumption is 64 ounces per day. This amount varies, however, depending on your weight, health and whether you exercise.

Warning

• Drinking too much water in a short amount of time can be fatal. Hyponatremia is the medical term for water intoxication, a condition in which the salt and water in your body become diluted. Cells absorb excess water, causing them to swell and put pressure on your organs.