Doctors are always reminding us to drink more water, but don't we already drink enough? The truth is, most of us do not.

We've always been told to drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day, but that is not necessarily correct. That adds up to only 64 ounces, but according to Web MD it should be closer to 75-150 ounces per day.

Different factors that can change the amount of water you need each day are:

• Gender
• Location (altitude, climate)
• Height and weight
• Daily activity level

Especially in the summertime, it seems like everyone is stressing the value of good hydration.

But why is hydration so important?

Water is the most vital part of every cellular process in our bodies. On the smallest level, it is what keeps everything within our cells running properly for division - and on the biggest level it means proper neurological function, digestion, the flushing of toxins, respiratory and heart health, and everything in between.

With our bodies being made up of approximately 60% water, it's no wonder that we're constantly being encouraged to replenish our supply!

We lose water more quickly in summertime through our sweat. With more opportunities to get outside, exercise, and socialize at events where alcoholic beverages are in abundance (which make us lose even more water), it is important to keep an eye out for any of these symptoms of dehydration:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Food cravings
• Muscle cramps
• Dark urine

Now that we know what to look out for, let's drink to our health!

Here are some great ways to increase your water intake throughout the day:

• Get a good insulated water bottle.
  When your water stays cold on a hot summer day, you'll be more likely to drink it! Purchase a good well-insulated water bottle you can refill throughout the day, and keep it with you at all times.
• Add some flavor!
  You'll be more willing to drink water when it has a little extra flavor in it. Any of our delicious True Lemon products will add some variation, without adding extra calories or sugar. Here are some refreshing drink recipes that will keep you hydrated all summer long!
• Drink a big glass of water right when you wake up.
  When we are asleep we are fasting from food and water. Drinking a big glass of water upon waking will not only give your cells a jump-start, but it will give you a foundation for reaching your daily intake of H2O. Here are some more tips for getting your morning started right. 
• Choose foods with a high water content.
  Watermelon, grapes, cantaloupe, kiwi, and other summery fruits have high water contents and will help with adding to your daily quota.
• Use water as a mixer.
  If you're going to drink alcohol, choose to mix with soda water or ice water instead of anything else. Other mixes are high in sugar, and will not keep you as hydrated. If you find water boring, try throwing in some frozen fruit as ice cubes or adding a packet of True Peach Lemonade instead! Here is even more information on staying hydrated this summer.

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[Credit: Nelson, Monica. "How to Drink More Water Each Day." U.S. News & World Report, Wellness.]
[Credit: WebMD. Water and Your Diet: Staying Slim and Regular with H2O.]