Our very lives depend on water. The human body is generally 75% water and the brain is 85% water by weight (water in the brain helps protect it from the skull). Our cells are 75% to 90% water. We simply can't stay alive without it. This is true for several reasons.

First, we need water because the body's reactions take place in solution, and water makes this possible. Second, water allows blood to flow through the blood vessels. It keeps the blood fluid. Third, water absorbs much heat and this helps regulate body temperature both with storing heat and losing heat through evaporation (sweating). Sweating not only cools the body but also helps cleanse impurities and waste.

Though we need water, we are also constantly losing it. We lose water from our bodies three ways. First, the kidneys make urine and when we pass it, we of course lose water. The kidneys process 45 to 50 gallons of fluid a day and, though most of it is retained, the kidneys produce more than a quart of urine daily. Since urine is 95% water, we must replenish that water other ways. The other two ways the body loses water are by perspiration and defecation.

We repeat, this lose means water must be replaced. On average a person should drink two quarts or eight to ten glasses of water each day. If we don't, we will quickly become dehydrated. Some have estimated that as much as 75% of Americans are dehydrated. A person who experiences these symptoms should quickly deal with dehydration for it can be fatal.

Dehydration may occur because of sickness causing diarrhea and/or vomiting. While sick it is often impossible to keep anything down. However, as soon as possible, start to replace the lost water. The most vulnerable are the young and old. The old are vulnerable because they tend to lose their sensation of thirst with age. A lost of more than 1% of body weight is considered severe dehydration.

What are the indications of being dehydrated? The first clear sign is production of only small amounts of dark urine. A person who is dehydrated might also notice their body temperature rise. Also check for confusion, extreme thirst, fatigue, nausea, and headaches. A lack of tears or sunken eyes may also indicate this problem.

If you suspect you are dehydrated, try this simple test. Pinch your skin on the arm, leg, or belly, then let go. If you are dehydrated, the skin will be slow to return to its normal position. If you aren't sure, drink a glass of water anyway. Sufficient pure water also benefits people because such rarely develop kidney stones.

Severe dehydration might be evidenced by low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, severe cramping of the arms, legs, stomach, and back, convulsions, heart failure, sunken eyes, inelasticity of the skin, and deep, rapid breathing. In such cases, not only the water needs to be replaced, but also the salt and glucose.

Of course, what is in the water we drink is also important. Be sure your water supply is pure. In summary, be sure you are drinking sufficient pure water each day. Two quarts a day can do a lot in keeping the doctor away.