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Hydrated cells are healthy cells.

A well-hydrated cell absorbs oxygen and nutrients and disposes of toxins and waste efficiently. Dehydrated cells are inefficient cells. Unfortunately, thirst is not an accurate guide to the body's hydration levels. By the time you feel thirsty, you already are dehydrated.

Everyone should drink more water.

* 37% of Americans mistake dehydration for hunger. They eat when they should drink.

IF you drink ordinary water.

* You should drink a number of fluid ounces equal to half your body weight.
* A 200 pound man should drink 100 ounces (about 13 cups) per day.
* A 120 pound woman should drink 60 ounces (about 8 cups) per day.
* Pregnant women should drink between 80 and 104 fluid ounces per day.

IF you drink structured water.

* Drinking 24 oz of structured water is usually enough.
* There is a difference between hydration and irrigation.
* Ordinary water contains on a fraction of small-cluster water needed for cellular hydration.

Physical activity increases the need for hydration.

* Vigorous exercise that makes you sweat requires 16 ounces or more for rehydration.
* Physical work in the heat will dehydrate you by 16 ounces per hour.
* Water should be consumed before, during, and after each workout.

Caffeine has a dehydrating effect.

* Coffee, tea, and many soft drinks contain large amounts of caffeine.
* Drinking caffeinated beverages does not hydrate the body.
* You should drink double the volume of water to counteract the dehydrating effects of caffeine beverage.

For hydration, all fluids are not equal. In fact, not all water is equal, either.