Get into the habit of wearing rubber gloves when you do any cleaning around the house. The reason? Cleaning agents can be extremely harsh on both nails and hands. The nails when exposed to water, swell and then shrink back as they dry. This results in brittle nails.

Practices for Healthy Skin

Drink a lot of water: Your body is composed mainly of water and it is a necessary component for all the natural processes that are carried out. When you drink water it not only hydrates your insides but it hydrates your skin as well. Drinking enough water is also one of the best "diets" for weight loss. You should drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day.

Water and your body

Every part of the human body depends on adequate hydration to function properly; from your skin to the brain. The following is an examination of the body and its need for water:

• Skin - Without water, the skin becomes dry and cracked. It is also the main conduit for releasing water from the body.
• Joints and Bones - Water acts as a lubricant between bones. Without water, bones may rub against each other and become brittle.
• Blood - Blood thickens when the body lacks water, thus makinng it difficult for the heart to pump and distribute blood to the rest of the body. Moreover, capillaries shut down creating obstacles for nutrients circulating to vital organs.
• Kidneys - Without water, the kidneys are unable to remove toxins, wastes and salts from the blood. The risk of kidney stones is thus increased.
• Liver - The liver is responsible for metabolizing fat. But if the body does not get enough water, it has to perform some of the kidney's functions, which means it does not metabolize as much fat as it should.
• Digestive System - When the body is dehydrated, the organs of the digestive system have to work harder than normal and become strained, which results in constipation and abdominal cramps.
• Brain - Without water, the body will experience a loss of nutrients flowing to the brain. Temporary results are dizziness, confusion and irritability. Long periods of dehydration can cause permanent damage to the brain. Water also cushions the brain, which means, if the body is dehydrated, the brain is more vulnerable.

Water is a human necessity

Without food, a person might survive for weeks. Without water, the odds of surviving more than a few days are not good.

In fact, approximately 70% of the human body is water. The only thing more important than water to the human body is oxygen.

Water serves several purposes within the body. It

• Maintains body temperature
• Aids in digestion
• Metabolizes fat
• Lubricates organs
• Cushions organs
• Transports nutrients
• Flushes out toxins

The body excretes water constantly through sweat, urine and exhaled air, which is why it is important to replenish your body with an ample amount of water every day. Most health professionals agree that the average human body requires eight to ten glasses of water a day. Water is a human necessity.