Lately there's been a bit of a backlash over the amount of drinking water the human body requires. But think of it this way - your body is two-thirds water. It's very easy to lose fluid when the weather is hot or you're exercising. In addition, we are losing more water than ever because of our diets. Coffee, tea (including many herb teas), caffeinated soda and alcoholic beverages are all diuretics. Your body's thirst mechanism doesn't kick in until you are already dehydrated. Water helps us expel toxins from our system (and we are exposed to more toxins nowadays than we were in the past). When a body is properly hydrated, it isn't compelled to retain water, making weight loss easier. So it's only common sense to drink those 8 to 10 cups a day of water! The one time you may consider drinking something other than water is when you are working out. If you are exercising intensely or in hot weather, sports drinks such as Gatorade and fitness waters such as Propel contain electrolytes, which help you replenish lost fluid more effectively than plain water.

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