Headaches. Poor digestion. Blotchy skin. Just a few of the not-so-fun symptoms of not drinking enough water.


Sure, we all know we need to drink more water. But it's often easy get away with drinking way less than we need. (Guilty, very guilty of this.) Writer Sarah Smith challenged herself to drink three liters of water -- that's 12 eight ounce glasses of water per day -- for 28 days, to find out what might happen to her health, and her skin if she actually followed the water rules.

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In addition to discovering, as you might imagine, she had to pee a lot more often, there were a bunch of added benefits adding more water to her day. The water, says Smith, improved her joint flexibility, her complexion, her breath, and her headaches -- and it upped her ability to concentrate. Plus, she lost two pounds, and half an inch around her waist with no additional changes to her diet or exercise routine. That's because, as Smith noted, "I'm eating less because drinking water with meals makes me feel fuller quicker. I used to snack, but I was reaching for food when I was actually thirsty. Studies show 37 percent of people mistake thirst for hunger."

The difference was particularly noticeable around Smith's eyes, which were previously ringed in dark circles. Post-water diet, her eyes were clearer, sharper, and definitely brighter. "I feel fitter, leaner and healthier, and my husband and friends tell me I look ten years younger," she writes. "Who in their right mind would not want to try something which gets such incredible results?"

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Do you drink enough water? What are your tips for getting your recommended water allotment in? [Daily Mail]