Water is a necessity of life. As a fitness enthusiast, I began to drink far more water this year than I did last year. Before I turned to water as my primary source of liquid (with coffee as a close, close second), I was notorious for the amount of Diet Pepsi I would consume in a given day. I still love my Diet Pepsi and order it when I go out to dinner, but this past weekend, I reverted to my old fueled-by-Pepsi ways and paid the price. I don’t feel as good if I’m not drinking water constantly and primarily.

Now, I’m not here to condemn drinks that aren’t water. I am here to tell you about why you need water, why you should love it and why it loves you!

While gathering all of the information I want to share with you, I came across this interactive diagram that provides information about how water helps your body. If you scroll over various parts of the body, the diagram lets you know that water regulates body temperature, protects body organs and tissues, carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells and more. Water also keeps your skin healthy and your immune system functioning properly.

None of this should be surprising. Any of us who have taken biology know that oxygen is essential to several life processes and that oxygen is a key element of water. So, it’s logical that water keeps your body healthy. Plus, over 50% percent of your body is water!

Your body is constantly using water, so this water needs to be replaced. Water is especially necessary if you are sick and suffering from a fever, if it’s hot out or if you are exercising (which we do a lot of at Zen & M’s). These situations cause you to lose more fluids and liquids from your body than normal. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking 17 oz (about two cups) of water two hours before you work out, and of course, you should continue drinking water during and after your workout.

But, how much should you drink on a regular basis? This is where sources begin to disagree. There is, of course, the traditional eight eight-ounce glasses of of water every day, but it turns out there may be no actual scientific evidence behind that number. In one recommendation I found, the Mayo Clinic cited the Institute of Medicine in saying that men should drink about 13 cups of water per day, and women about nine cups.

So, if water is so important, how do you make sure you drink it? After all, there are so many drinks that are infinitely more exciting, and it’s easy to forget to drink water. I like to keep water bottles within reach that double as an accessory I can carry around. I’ve also found that flavoring water naturally with lemon slices makes it tastier. Also, remember that there are a lot of foods that can help keep you hydrated. Try eating more fruits and veggies because they contain a high water content.

Until next time, stay hydrated!