In a recent newsletter, we asked you how you fit water into your day. With more than 200 responses, it is clear that iVillagers know how important water is. But did you know that water is the most important nutrient? Or that our bodies contain more water than any other substance? No wonder drinking sufficient water is one of the most important steps we can take to protect our health.

The water within

Most adult bodies contain 10-12 gallons of water; that's 55 to 75 percent of our total body weight. Muscle holds more water than body fat, so the leaner you are, the greater proportion of water your body contains. Water is present in every part of our body: 83 percent of the blood, 73 percent of muscle tissue, 25 percent of body fat and even 22 percent of bones are made up of water.

So what does water do in our body?

Water is essential, meaning we have to drink enough of it to live and promote good health. Water is an important component of just about every function that takes place within our bodies. It:

• regulates body temperature.
• transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
• carries waste products away from body cells.
• cushions joints.
• protects body organs and tissues.

How much is enough?

On average, we lose about 10 cups of water each day through perspiration, breathing, urination and bowel movements. And this is on a typical day without exercise or hot weather.