The Importance of Water in the body.
Water is said to play an important role in the life of every living thing especially in the life of humans. It is so important that without it one is liable to die.
How important is water in the body you may ask?
It is estimated that over 60 percent of our body weight is made up of water and for our body to properly work well, we need water. The organs, cells and tissues of the body use water to regulate and maintain our body temperature.
Rehydration is necessary because of the level at which water is being lost from the body. We loss water from the body through sweating, breathing, and digestion; which makes it imperative to drink or eat anything that contains water or fluid.
It is recommended that, the average amount of water needed in the body per day for an adult male is 3.7 liters (15 cups) and for an adult female is 2.7 liters (11 cups). Depending on various factors like climate, physical activities and illness that one goes through every day, water is lost in large amount and the need for rehydration is important.
Here are some functions of water in the body:
Water Protects Tissues, Spinal Cord, and Joints
According to medical experts, water does more than just quench your thirst and regulate your body’s temperature; it also keeps the tissues in your body moist. You know how it feels when your eyes, nose, or mouth get dry? Keeping your body hydrated helps it retain optimum levels of moisture in these sensitive areas, as well as in the blood, bones, and the brain. In addition, water helps protect the spinal cord, and it acts as a lubricant and cushion for your joints.
Water Aids the Removal of Waste from the Body
Adequate water intake enables your body to excrete waste through perspiration, urination, and defecation. The kidneys and liver use it to help flush out waste, as do your intestines. Water can also keep you from getting constipated by softening your stools and helping move the food you’ve eaten through your intestinal tract. However, it should be noted that there is no evidence to prove that increasing your fluid intake will cure constipation.
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Water Helps in Digestion
Digestion starts with saliva, the basis of which is water. Digestion depends on enzymes that are found in the saliva to aid break down food and liquid into dissolvable minerals and other nutrients. Proper digestion makes minerals and nutrients more accessible to the body. Water is also necessary to help you digest soluble fiber. With the aid of water, this fiber dissolves easily and benefits your bowel health by making well-formed, soft stools that are easy to pass.
Water Helps in Rehydration
One becomes dehydrated when involved in stressful exercise, such as jogging, weight lifting, running, pushup and sit-up etc. or when you are down with fever. If one loses water because of any of these reasons, it is important to increase the level of water intake so as to balance the body system. Doctors also advise that drinking of fluids can aid treatment to some health conditions, such as bladder infections and urinary tract stones. If one is pregnant or nursing a baby, you may want to consult with your physician about your fluid intake because your body will be using more fluids than usual, particularly when breastfeeding.
What is the amount of water needed in the body?
Most people who are in good physical health get enough fluids by drinking water and other beverages when they are thirsty, and also by drinking beverages with each meals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are not sure about your hydration level, check your urine; If it is clear, then you are okay and when it is dark, likely, you are short of it.
