Dear Lynn:

How important is it to drink water every day, and how can I be sure to get enough? Thanks,

Emily

Dear Emily:

Many of us think water is just to quench thirst, but in reality it is the most important nutrient in our diet. It performs the following essential tasks in our bodies:

• actively participates in chemical reactions
• lubricates and cushions joints, eyes, spinal cord
• aids in body-temperature maintenance
• serves as the solvent for many small molecules

If you are one of the many people who find it hard to drink the recommended six to eight glasses of water a day, don't lose hope. Most fruits and vegetables contain up to 95 percent water. A key point is not to wait until you're thirsty. If you're thirsty, it means your body has already lost more water than it should have, and it's urging you to fill up the tank.

Here are ten ways to drink enough water:

1. Take a water bottle to work.
2. Take a water bottle for each person whenever you go anywhere in the car.
3. Drink a glass of water before each meal.
4. Keep a bottle of cold water in the refrigerator.
5. Use a larger glass at meals. If you normally use an eight-ounce glass, try a 10-ounce.
6. Take a full water bottle on all bike rides.
7. Buy a waist pack that holds a water bottle, and take it with you on walks.
8. Use sports drinks before, during and after any summertime activity.
9. Have at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
10. Make a fruit smoothie for breakfast. Blend fresh fruit, seltzer water and vanilla yogurt for an easy pick-me-up that's also a good source of fluid.

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