Even so, some of us still find it difficult to drink the optimal amount of water we should each day. Although the age-old recommendation of 64 ounces a day has recently come under scrutiny, health experts say you should at least drink enough water to satisfy your thirst and produce urine that is clear.

Perhaps more of us would drink an adequate amount of water if we knew it might lead to weight loss. That's right - if you'd like to drop a few pounds, take a good look at your water-drinking habits.

A toast for weight loss
You know that water is vital to your health. So how do water's many functions factor in to your weight?

If your kidneys don't get enough water, the liver has to help do their job. This slows down the liver's work of metabolizing stored fat in the body.

Also, if your body perceives the threat of improper hydration, it automatically retains more water to help itself function - thus, you carry excess pounds of water weight.

If you want to see whether insufficient water intake is causing some of your extra pounds, commit to the following program:

Also, you should expect more frequent urination at first, but this declines over time.

Too much of a good thing
A caution is necessary at this point. As wonderful and vital as water is to your health and weight loss, you can drink too much of it!

Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any concerns, especially if you have kidney problems. Don't go overboard and start drinking significantly more than the amounts recommended above.

One more for the road
With the benefits and cautions well in mind, it's time for you to attend to your own water drinking habits.

Only you know whether you need to post reminders on your desk, refrigerator or wherever you'll be prompted to drink water. If it helps, fill a large cooler jug with ice water and sip or pour from it throughout the day.

If you're not crazy about water, be patient. In time you'll train your body to truly thirst for it. Try to see this as a healthy challenge - and start drinking!