“I feel like I’m drowning when I try to drink 8 cups a day!” It’s a common line spoken by many dieters and non dieters alike. Considering this mentality, it would surprise many that the majority of the body is made up of water. Babies bodies are made up of about 78% water, the human male is generally 60% water, and the human female is usually made up of about 55% water at maturity(1). It might also surprise some to know that most of the time when we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty, and that the majority of the world’s population is chronically dehydrated. With all of those considerations, 8 cups a day no longer seems to be so much.

Water works for dieters, because of several reasons. First of all, as we all know, water is a zero calorie commodity. That means that when you burn calories off at the gym, you may have to run an extra mile or so to burn off that donut you had at lunch, but not the glass of water. Second, if you are eating when you are actually thirsty, you will eat more, because your body will continue to feel that unfulfilled need. Even if food does seem to satisfy it, you are taking in unwanted and unnecessary calories.

Water also keeps your body clean. By this I mean that when you drink more water, your internal systems are better able to function. If you drank no water or liquids whatsoever, your body could not properly process your caloric intake. Your tubes, as it were, would quickly become clogged and hard, and all of the fluids running through your body would effectively stop. On the extreme side of things, this keeps your blood from turning to mush.

However, the majority of people will not have this severe a problem. For most of us, this will keep our metabolism high and our muscles working so that we can exercise and have a pleasant sight when we look in the mirror. If you do not see the connection to muscle function and appearance, consider the fact that creatine, an ingredient commonly used in protein based supplements, works by pushing water into the muscles and therefore improving their size and appearance.

In short, water is the cheapest appetite suppressant you will find anywhere, and it is necessary to any function. When you drink enough water, you will experience side effects such as a decreased appetite, bowel regularity, clear urine, increased energy, increased mental and physical performance, glowing skin, reduced headache frequency, proper digestion, and weight loss(2).

1. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_water_is_in_the_human_body
2. http://www.betterwayhealth.com/drinking-water.html