Our bodies are made up of approximately 60 percent water . Therefore, it is important to consume the correct amount of water each day. Water is essential for the majority of important functions in your body. It regulates our body temperature, moves nutrients through our cells, keeps our mucous membranes moist and flushes waste from our bodies. Our lungs are 90 percent water, our brains are 70 percent water and our blood is more than 80 percent water. Simply put, we can’t function without it. Most people sweat out about two cups of water per day (0.5 liters). Each day, we also lose a little more than a cup of water (237 ml) when we exhale it, and we eliminate about six cups (1.4 l) of it. We also lose electrolytes — minerals like sodium and potassium that regulate the body’s fluids.

Your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live. We can get about 20 percent of the water we need through the food we eat. Some foods, like watermelon, are nearly 100 percent water. Although the amount of water that we need each day varies, a general rule of thumb is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day.

However, if you’re exercising, you’re going to need to consume the right amount of water to hydrate your body. When you’re exercising, you lose a lot of fluids through perspiration, so it’s important that you replenish these stores. It’s generally recommended that you consume a cup of water before you exercise, sip water while you’re exercising, and consume one to two glasses of water immediately following exercise.

Pay attention to how you are feeling and be sure to drink water especially if you become thirsty!