Being attentive to the amount of water you drink each day is important for optimal health.

Most people drink when they’re thirsty, which helps regulate daily water intake.

Feeling thirsty indicates your body is not receiving adequate hydration. Urine that is dark or colored indicates dehydration. Pale or non-colored urine typically indicates proper hydration.

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine general water intake (from all beverages and foods) that meet most people’s needs are:

Water is important to nearly every part of your body. Not only will hitting your daily recommended intake help you maintain your current state of being, it may even improve your overall health.

1. It lubricates the joints-Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains around 80 percent water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints’ shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain.

2. It forms saliva and mucus-Saliva helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. This prevents friction and damage. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean. Consumed instead of sweetened beverages, it can also reduce tooth decay.

3. It delivers oxygen throughout the body-Blood is more than 90 percent water, and blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body.

4. It boosts skin health and beauty-With dehydration, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.

5. It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues-Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. It is also involved in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.

6. It regulates body temperature-Water that is stored in the middle layers of the skin comes to the skin’s surface as sweat when the body heats up. As it evaporates, it cools the body. In sport.

Not that too much water can lead to hypernatremia, also known as low sodium. Low sodium levels can be life-threatening causing confusion, seizures, coma and death.