An adult human body is comprised of approximately 60% water, which is why maintaining proper hydration is critical to your overall well-being. Water is a key element for every cell, tissue and organ in your body and is used to maintain body temperature, remove waste and lubricate your joints.

Although, it seems like a simple task, many adults are currently living in a constant state of dehydration. Older adults often don’t get enough fluids and risk becoming dehydrated, especially during summer when it’s hotter and people perspire more. “Older people don’t sense thirst as much as they did when they were younger. And that could be a problem if they’re on a medication that may cause fluid loss, such as a diuretic,” says Dr. Julian Seifter, a kidney specialist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Warning signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, or urine that’s dark in color. The institute of medicine recommends that women consume about two liters daily, and men consume about three. It also helps to have a diet full of raw fruits and vegetables which are naturally high in water content.

The Top 8 Benefits of Proper Hydration

1. Keep Joints and Cartilage Lubricated: if you suffer from joint pain, making sure you’re getting enough water will ensure proper joint lubrication and movement.

2. Removes Waste: not only does water support your liver and kidneys in their job of detoxifying the body, but it also helps relieve constipation by pulling water through the intestinal walls and colon to soften your stool and encourage regularity.

3. Transporting Nutrients: water creates saliva, where the digestive process starts in the body. Once the enzymes in your saliva breakdown food into usable nutrients and minerals, they are then incorporated into the bloodstream where proper hydration is essential for distribution of those nutrients to your organs and tissues.

4. Helps Maximize Physical Performance: dehydration has a noticeable effect on physical performance. Common side effects include altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, fatigue, and increased oxidative stress. Muscle is approximately 80% water, so if you plan to be physically active increase your water intake before, during and after the activity.

5. Can Aid in Weight Loss: drinking 1-2 cups of water before a meal can increase your metabolism and make you feel more full which can prevent the tendency to overeat.

6. Improves Your Complexion: skin cells are comprised mostly of water, which can account for dehydrated skin looking dry, tight, flaky and wrinkled. Drink up to maintain a healthy, youthful glow throughout the day.

7. Promotes Cardiovascular Health: heart disease and heart attacks are linked to arterial clogs from cholesterol and plaque. Drinking more water helps to flush these toxins from the body keeping your arteries clear and decreasing your risk of coronary heart disease.

8. Improves Mood/Relieves Headaches: if you suffer from chronic headaches, dehydration could be the culprit. A study from the Journal of Nutrition found that even mild dehydration had a negative effect on mood.

Bottom Line: make hydration a habit and reap the health benefits along the way.