Water forms a major component of the tissues and cells of the body. Without water the human body will survive only a few days. Water is also a key part of any weight loss program.

Water is very necessary for helping the body remove fat, and for general overall health.

The average person should consume 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water each day. Although water is the best “thirst-quencher,” other liquids (such as juices, milk, sodas, and teas) can help meet fluid needs. High sugar and high caffeine beverages are not the best choices because they can lead to increased urination.

Benefits of water:

• * Water suppresses appetite and reduces fat deposits in the body.

• * Water not only fills you up and lessens your appetite, it prevents those hungry horrors we all encounter when our blood sugar drops and we reach for cookies, candy, ice cream, fries or other high-calorie treats. Thus it keeps a check on your health and diet.

• * Water assists the body in metabolizing stored fat, because your liver is overloaded when your kidneys don’t get enough water. Your liver metabolizes fat, and it can’t do that 100% if it is doing the kidneys job.

• * Water relieves fluid retention problems.

• * It reduces sodium buildup in the body.

• * It helps to maintain proper muscle tone.

• * Water rids the body of waste and toxins and relieves constipation.

Tips on water intake:

• * Drink a minimum of 64 ounces per day (2 quarts).

• * Drink an additional 8 ounces per day for every 25 pounds overweight.

• * It is better to drink the water cold, it is absorbed quicker and may burn more calories.

• * Drink clean water, bottled or filtered.