I don’t drink enough water and more than likely you don’t either. In fact, recent studies have shown that 75% of the American population is dehydrated.

Whenever I have been dieting in the past, water consumption has seemed to play a huge role in it’s success or failure. Rather than reach for a snack I would make it a point to reach for that Nalgene water bottle. (not a hippie) It’s always paid off, but I think on the surface I always attributed its success to not drinking as much soda or other sugary drinks. But after finding out about all the powerful benefits of drinking more water, I’m willing to give H2O a little more credit.

Check out some of the benefits of drinking water:

• Dehydration is a major contributor to many diseases; conversely good hydration reduces the risk of disease.
• Just 5 glasses of water every day decreases the risk of breast cancer by 79%, colon cancer by 45% and bladder cancer by 50%.
• Chronic dehydration causes: asthma, arthritis, kidney stones, gall stones, hypertension, cardio vascular diseases, weight gain, migraines, loss of muscle tone and digestive complications.
• Most adults lose between two and three quarts of water a day without exercising.
• One quart of water is lost during a night’s sleep.
• Caffeinated drink cause the body to discharge water.
• Water prevents DNA damage and makes its repair mechanism more efficient. It also increases the efficiency of the immune system in bone marrow, including its efficiency against cancer.
• Water reduces fatigue, and the incidences of morning sickness in pregnancy. It also helps reduce stress, anxiety, depression and constipation.
• Lack of water is the #1 reason for daytime fatigue and performance reduction.
• Just a 2% drop in body fluid causes a 20% reduction in mental and physical performance.
• Drinking water is crucial for weight loss programs.
• Even mild dehydration can slow metabolism as much as 3%.
• On a diet? 1 glass of water shuts down midnight hunger.
• Water makes skin smooth, helps decrease the effects of aging, and gives luster and shine to the eyes.
• Dehydration prevents sex hormone production, a primary cause of impotence and loss of libido.
• Water helps prevent memory loss as we age.

So come on, drink more water! As if the above reasons are not enough…