Water, water, everywhere but not a drop to drink. Seems to be that way in society today, where every beverage is flooded with calories and caffeine, defeating the cleansing purpose of pure water.

While sweetened beverages may taste better and be easier to drink in large amounts, water is the most beneficial liquid to the  body.

Because water makes up 60 percent of body weight, it is important to drink a sufficient amount of water to keep the body performing at its best.

The benefits of drinking water are multifaceted. Truestar Health, a personal profiling total health program with a team of doctors and nutritionists, lists seven reasons why drinking water is important. The most general benefit of water is that it helps with overall body function.

Water helps flush out any toxins in the body, which eases the workload of the kidneys and liver. Diseases and infections are also prevented with the intake of adequate fluids.

Drinking enough water allows for digestion and absorption to work efficiently, gives the body energy for exercise, and controls the amount of calories ingested from sweetened beverages. WebMD says that eating water-rich foods is filling because of the higher volume, and it also fulfills the body’s water requirements.

Healthy skin is able to maintain moisture when there is ample water in the body to be distributed. It allows the skin to retain its elasticity and suppleness, and also prevents dryness and detoxifying the skin.

For those who workout a lot, drinking water is especially vital to stay in the game. Water provides needed protection for joints and muscles by acting as a cushion against shock. A dehydrated body is more likely to sustain an injury, as well as experience muscle cramps and weakness.

So how much water is enough? The truth is that it varies depending upon the person, says the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit medical care, research, and educational institute.

Most people have heard that the recommended amount of water intake is eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day. However, individuals may need to modify their fluid intake depending on how much they exercise, the dryness of their environment, and any illnesses or health issues. Increasing up to two and a half cups of water is sufficient for normal amounts of exercise.

The easiest way to get this fulfilling amount is buying bottled water in bulk or carrying around a water bottle all day and refilling it.

Stephanie Meadowcroft is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.