How much SHOULD you drink? Well, that is a loaded question and the answer does vary depending on so many things such as your gender, activity level, and where you live.

But an easy recommendation to remember would be the 8 x8 rule. 8 drinks of 8 ounces. Totaling 64 oz a day. Keep in mind, this is a guesstimate. You may find you need more, but rarely would you ever need less.

Why do you need water at all?

To start, your body is made of up to72 percent water. Your body depends on water to function. You will die without it. Literally within 10 or so days… dead! But that’s obvious right?

Water does SO much for your body and you are really doing yourself a disfavor if you are not getting enough of it. Your body WANTS water.

First of all, water can help with weight loss.

Often times when you are hungry, your body is actually signaling to you that it is thirsty. It’s true. So next time you are hungry try drinking a BIG glass of water and see if your stomach keeps growling minutes later. You may quickly find that drinking more water throughout the day will hugely reduce your desire to snack.

Another great idea is to drink a BIG glass of water 30 minutes before each meal. It will help to fill you up so you eat less at the meal.

Why else is water so special?

Water can also help your metabolism run more efficiently. We all want that right? Your bodies ability to burn calories can actually be improved by drinking plenty of water. By drinking more water, your body will function more optimally…right down to the cellular level. Your body carries energy, oxygen and nutrients to your cells through water.

Ever deal with headaches, or body aches?

Water is a pro at flushing out toxins and waste from your body. You can think of this in practical terms like why you drink water to cure a hangover. There is a reason for that and it’s because water helps eliminate toxins. You simply feel better when you drink more water. It goes back to what I was saying earlier…. if your body depends on water, then making sure it has the necessary amount will let your body operate at its BEST! Your body at its best is an AMAZING thing… Drinking water will give you energy and keep your clear headed and focused.

Also, Did you know that you should poo 1-3 times a day? TMI you say? Not at all. Come on people. This is basic 101 stuff. Drink more water, poo more. Win win !

“But Laurie, drinking water makes me have to pee all the time.”

Sorry, but I hate when people say that. What’s the big deal about having to pee more? As if it is some laborious, taxing chore. Think of it like this… You’ll get more exercise having to get up and use the restroom more often.

Let’s bring this chat out of the bathroom. Want to hear more benefits of drinking water?

Drinking water can reduce your risk for colon cancer by 45%! What??!!!??!!! Score!

In a May 2002 study by the American Journal of Epidemiology it was found that during the study participants who drank more than 5 glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from heart attack than the participants drinking 2 or less glasses of water a day.

Water helps regulate body temperature. Ever suffer from heat stroke? Or feel faint after a day in the sun? When there is enough water in your system, your body can produce sweat and stay cool, but if you are dehydrated your body can not cool you down as quickly or efficiently.

Do you like clear, radiant skin? I do. Drinking enough water will do more wonders for your skin than all the facials and scrubs in the world combined.

So that’s just some of the main reasons why you should drink more water. Plus it has ZERO calories and it is FREE! Add some lemon or lime to your water for some zest and flavor.