Drink plenty of water each day. That sounds so simple, but so few people adhere to this good advice.

  Health and fitness experts say that drinking plenty of water (good hydration) is vital to maintaining good health and peak athletic performance. But even you are not an athlete, you should drink plenty of water each day. 

  A good rule of thumb is to drink eight, eight-ounce glasses each day. Athletes should drink at least 10-20 percent more depending on their level of activity. Some athletes actually suffer from overhydration getting too much water but that is a relatively rare problem.

  The key is to know your body well enough to learn how much hydration you need, said Ty Tims, medical exercise specialist at SIX50 Total Club, a part of the Baptist Rehabiliation network. The body is always trying to maintain a proper balance. Consuming the proper amount of water is a key to maintaining that balance.

  Water makes up more than two thirds of the weight of the human body, according to the National Institutes of Health. Without water, humans would die in a few days. All the cell and organ functions depend on water for functioning. It serves as a lubricant and forms the base for saliva and the fluids that surround the joints. Water regulates the body temperature, as the cooling and heating is distributed through perspiration. Water helps to alleviate constipation by moving food through the intestinal tract and thereby eliminating waste.

  If fluid levels arent up to par in a cell, its not going to be able to carry out its function, whether its a neuron or a musculoskeletal cell, Tims said. Each cell has a special function and its efficiency level will increase or decrease depending on the hydration level.

  So why do so many people fail to drink enough water? Many people dont like the taste of water and have never gotten in the habit of drinking it, Tims said. Sports drinks such as Gatorade are OK to drink, but water is still the best. 

  When youre talking about good health, its good to stay pure, Tims said. Whats out there that God made for us is the best thing for you.

  Other fluids cant substitute for water because of the other substances contained in them. Juice has a lot of sugar. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are diuretics causing the body to urinate more often, so one loses much of that fluid before the body can use it. 

  How can people incorporate more water into their diets? Tims suggests filling up a water bottle in the morning and then keep drinking from it during the day. If possible, see that a water cooler is installed at your office so youll have a good supply on hand. 

  Early symptoms that one is not getting enough water include dizziness, headaches, fatigue and diminished concentration. So if you drink enough water, you are going to feel better. Benefits of drinking plenty of water include improved muscular and cellular function and better brain function. 

  So drink to better health by drinking plenty of water!