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Our bodies comprise of many different components, of all of the chemicals and elements that our body is comprised of though, one stands out above the rest H2O. We are of course talking about water, our bodies are approximately 60% water, this alone should stress the importance of staying hydrated, if we are 60% water it would stand to reason water is very important to the healthy function of our body.

Even though it is staring us in the face, many people around the world do not get enough water. Now we are not talking about the individuals that do not have access to clean water (they want to drink water it is just not available). We are talking about the people around the world for whom water is readily available, and yet they choose to drink unhealthy alternatives such as soft drinks.

Even drinks like Gatorade and PowerAde do not yield that many health benefits for the average person as water does. Sports drinks are packed full of electrolytes and performance enhancing nutrients that is true. They are also packed with preservatives and chemicals that our bodies don't need, so unless you are an athlete (or have an illness) there is absolutely no reason to drink them. Everything that they provide is readily available from more natural sources and in quantities that make more sense for the average person. Leaving out all of the negative aspects.

We have put together a list of the various benefits of drinking water. Hopefully some of these will strike home and help you to realize you need more H2O in your life.

Fluid Balance - As stated we as humans are 60% water and we need to consume between 9-16 glasses of water a day to maintain a healthy fluid balance. This helps our body transport nutrients better as well as keeping us feeling better.

Calorie Control - Forget the latest diet fad, drinking a glass of water before every meal will help you feel full. This means you will likely consume less calories.

Muscle Fuel - When we exert physical force using our muscles they use the water that they normally store. Drinking enough water will help prevent cramping during a workout, and it will also limit the amount of muscle fatigue you feel later on.

Kidney Function - Our kidneys process 200 quarts of blood every single day. They filter out all the toxins that we take in. However, in order to remove those toxins from out body the kidneys need to be able to make use of water to transport the toxins to the bladder where we expel them.

Fatigue Relief - Set the coffee down, our bodies don't "need" caffeine, it is a drug that tricks our body into feeling more awake and energetic. You don't need it though, drinking enough water every day will give you the same feeling of alertness and energy.

Boosting the Immune System - This ties back into the first point we made. Our bodies are mostly water, so it would stand to reason the white blood cells that make up our bodies defense against illness need water to function at their best. Drinking enough water can be crucial to maintaining your health.

These are but a few of the reasons we should all make sure that we drink enough water every single day. Don't wait go grab a glass!

As people age, their nutritional needs change. Some may not be able to consume the same foods, or foods in the same quantities, as they could when they were younger and perhaps healthier. Too much sodium, sugar or fats can wreak havoc on the human body when people age.

Fiber for Heart Health

A diet high in fiber, including fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can help reduce cholesterol and keep the digestive system regular. The only caution with fruits and vegetables is that if the stomach is sensitive to certain fruit acids, such as those found in tomatoes or citrus fruits, this may cause some discomfort, but overall vegetables and fruits should be consumed as much and as often as possible. Fruits and vegetables contain high plant fiber which helps cleanse the bowels and helps maintain a healthy blood glucose level, keeping early onset diabetes at bay.

High-Quality Protein

When most people think of protein, they may immediately think of a thick, juicy steak. For those so inclined, they may still enjoy steak as they age, but they may also want to consider lighter, white meat alternatives, such as pork, chicken and turkey, which are lean protein that promotes muscle strength and keeps muscle fibers from deteriorating. Grilled preparation is tasty and fast, and is a healthy alternative to fried meats. For those who would like to try a meat-free alternative, soy protein and nuts are another great way to add healthy protein and fiber into the diet.

Avoid Dairy

Younger people need the calcium in dairy to support growing bones and muscle health. Because dairy products are high in fat, aging bodies may not metabolize this fat as easily as it did when someone was younger. Those at high risk for heart disease, or people who suffer from high blood pressure, may want to avoid dairy-rich foods to keep their arteries clearer and to promote healthy blood flow. Too much fat in the diet may also make it difficult for the liver to function properly, so it may be best to avoid dairy as much as possible.

Lower Sodium Intake

People who suffer from high blood pressure should lower their sodium intake, whether this mean

Hydrate

As always, hydration is important, no matter what your age. Drink more water throughout the day to help flush toxins from the body and to help the body cool down on a hot day. Water is healthy for skin, kidneys, and the body overall, so water is always a good option as a beverage.