All the cells and organs of the body need water to function properly. Here are some reasons our bodyneeds water. It polishes the joints. Cartilage in joints and the disks of the spine contains around eightypercent water. Long term dehydration can reduce the joints shock absorbing ability, leading to jointpain. It forms saliva and mucus. Saliva helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyeswet. This prevents friction and damage. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean. It delivers oxygenthroughout the body. Blood is more than ninety percent water and blood carries oxygen to differentparts of the body. It boosts skin health and beauty. With dehydration, the skin can become moreunsafe to skin disorders and wrinkling. It protects the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues.Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. It is also involved in the production of hormonesand neurotransmitters. Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning. Itcontrols body temperature. Water that is stored in the middle layers of the skin comes to the skinssurface as sweat when the body heats up. It cools the body as it evaporates. Some scientists havesuggested that when there is too little water in the body, heat storage increases and the individual isless able to manage heat strain. Having a lot of water in the body may reduce physical strain if heatstress occurs during exercise. However, more research is needed into these effects. The digestive systemdepends on it. The bowel needs water to work properly. Dehydration can lead to digestive problems,constipation and an overly acidic stomach. This increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers. Itreleases body waste. Water is needed in the processes of sweating and removal of urine and feces. Ithelps maintain blood pressure. A lack of water can make blood thick and increase blood pressure. Theairways need it. Airways are restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss when youbecome dehydrated. This can make asthma and allergies worse. It makes minerals and nutrientsobtainable. These dissolve in water which makes it possible for them to reach different parts of thebody. It prevents kidney damage. The kidneys manage fluid in the body. Insufficient water can lead tokidney stones and other problems. It boosts performance during exercise. One review found thatdehydration reduces performance in activities lasting longer than thirty minutes. Weight loss. Watermay also help with weight loss, if it is consumed instead of sweetened juices and sodas. Water beforemeals can also help prevent overeating by making you feel like you are full. It reduces the chance of ahangover. When partying, unsweetened soda water with ice and lemon replaced with alcoholic drinkscan help prevent over consumption of alcohol. Water is important to nearly every part of your body.Not only will sufficient water intake help you maintain your current state of healthy lifestyle, it mayeven improve your overall health.