How does water regulate body temperature. What is the importance of water in digestion. Why is water crucial for brain function. How does water protect tissues and joints. What percentage of the human body is water. How does dehydration affect physical performance. Why is proper hydration vital for overall health.

The Vital Importance of Water for Human Survival

Water is the cornerstone of life on Earth, playing a crucial role in the survival and functioning of all living organisms, from microscopic bacteria to the largest mammals. For humans, water is not just a necessity for survival, but an integral component in nearly every bodily function. This article delves into the multifaceted role of water in the human body, exploring its impact on various physiological processes and overall well-being.

Water’s Impact on Mood and Energy Levels

The connection between hydration and mental state is often underestimated. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining optimal mood and energy levels. When the body becomes dehydrated, even by a small margin, it can significantly affect our mental and physical performance.

The Brain-Water Connection

Did you know that brain cells are composed of approximately 80% water? This high water content underscores the critical role of hydration in cognitive function. A mere 2% reduction in body water levels can lead to a staggering 20% decrease in mental and physical performance. To put this into perspective, the impact is comparable to consuming four shots of alcohol or experiencing a severe hangover – but without any of the temporary enjoyment.

Dehydration and Athletic Performance

While dehydration can severely impair the average person’s performance, elite athletes have demonstrated remarkable abilities to function at high levels despite significant water loss. For instance, legendary long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie once lost 9.8% of his body mass during the Dubai marathon, yet still managed to win with a record-breaking time. Similarly, top finishers in the grueling South African Ironman triathlon have been known to shed around 8% of their body weight during the race, with one athlete losing an astonishing 11%.

These examples highlight the extraordinary adaptations of the human body in extreme conditions. However, it’s important to note that such performances are exceptions rather than the rule, and proper hydration remains crucial for optimal athletic performance and overall health.

The Science Behind Water’s Role in Body Functions

Water is a fundamental component of nearly every bodily system and process. From cellular function to organ operation, water is indispensable. Let’s explore some of the key ways in which water contributes to our physiological well-being.

Temperature Regulation

One of water’s most critical functions in the body is temperature regulation. The human body strives to maintain a core temperature of approximately 37 degrees Celsius, and water plays a pivotal role in this process.

How does the body use water to regulate temperature? The process involves two main mechanisms:

1. Blood flow control: By directing blood flow to areas close to the skin, the body can radiate heat into the surrounding air to cool down. Conversely, directing blood flow deeper into the body helps retain heat.
2. Sweating: Water is the primary component of sweat. As sweat evaporates from the skin, it carries away heat, cooling the body much more efficiently than air alone.

Interestingly, this temperature regulation process is why we appear red when hot and pale when cold. Moreover, blood is approximately 50% water, and the part of the brain responsible for temperature regulation is about 80% water, further emphasizing water’s importance in this vital function.

Water’s Protective Role in the Body

Beyond its role in temperature regulation, water serves as a crucial protective element for various body parts and systems.

Protection of Tissues, Spinal Cord, and Joints

Have you ever wondered why your bones don’t grind together when you move? The answer lies in a substance called synovial fluid, which is predominantly water. This fluid acts as a cushion and lubricant between joints, absorbing shocks and preventing friction.

What are the benefits of synovial fluid?

• Prevents everyday strains and sprains
• Reduces the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis
• Enables smooth movement of joints

It’s worth noting that even our bones contain about 30% water, illustrating how deeply water is integrated into our body’s structure.

The Role of Water in Digestion

Digestion is another crucial bodily function that heavily relies on water. While many associate digestion primarily with the stomach and intestines, the process actually begins in the mouth with saliva production.

Water’s Function in the Digestive Process

How does water contribute to digestion? Here are the key ways:

1. Saliva production: Saliva, which is primarily water mixed with enzymes and electrolytes, initiates the digestive process in the mouth.
2. Stomach acid production: Water is a key component in the creation of stomach acid, which is essential for breaking down food.
3. Food transportation: Water helps move food through the digestive tract.
4. Waste elimination: Water is crucial for the body’s waste removal processes.

Proper hydration before, during, and after meals can significantly enhance the efficiency of your digestive system, promoting better nutrient absorption and overall gut health.

Water and Cellular Function

At the most fundamental level, water is essential for cellular function. Every cell in our body requires water to perform its specific tasks and maintain its structure.

Cellular Hydration and Its Importance

Why is cellular hydration so crucial? Here are some key reasons:

• Nutrient transport: Water helps carry nutrients to cells throughout the body.
• Waste removal: It aids in removing waste products from cells.
• Chemical reactions: Many vital chemical reactions within cells require water as a medium.
• Cellular structure: Water helps maintain the shape and structure of cells.

Proper cellular hydration is essential for optimal organ function, tissue repair, and overall health. When cells are adequately hydrated, they can perform their functions more efficiently, contributing to better overall body performance.

The Impact of Dehydration on Physical Performance

While we’ve touched on how dehydration affects mental performance, its impact on physical performance is equally significant. Even mild dehydration can lead to noticeable decreases in physical capabilities.

Dehydration and Athletic Performance

How does dehydration affect physical performance? Here are some key impacts:

• Reduced endurance: Dehydration can significantly decrease stamina and endurance.
• Decreased strength: Muscle strength can be compromised when the body is not properly hydrated.
• Impaired coordination: Dehydration can affect motor skills and coordination.
• Slower recovery: Proper hydration is crucial for post-exercise recovery.

While elite athletes may have developed strategies to perform under dehydrated conditions, for the average person, maintaining proper hydration is crucial for optimal physical performance, whether during exercise or daily activities.

Water’s Role in Nutrient Transportation and Waste Removal

Water serves as the body’s primary transport system, facilitating the movement of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products throughout the body.

Nutrient Transportation

How does water help in nutrient transportation? Water is the medium through which various nutrients are dissolved and carried to different parts of the body. This includes:

• Vitamins and minerals
• Glucose and other energy sources
• Amino acids for protein synthesis
• Hormones and other signaling molecules

Without adequate hydration, the body’s ability to distribute these essential nutrients effectively is compromised, potentially leading to various health issues.

Waste Removal

Equally important is water’s role in waste removal. The body produces various waste products as a result of its metabolic processes, and water is crucial for their elimination.

How does water aid in waste removal?

1. Urine production: Water is the primary component of urine, which carries waste products out of the body.
2. Sweat: In addition to its cooling function, sweat helps eliminate certain waste products through the skin.
3. Digestive system: Water aids in the movement of waste through the intestines and its eventual elimination.

Proper hydration ensures that these waste removal processes function optimally, helping to maintain the body’s internal balance and overall health.

The Importance of Proper Hydration for Overall Health

Given the multitude of ways in which water contributes to bodily functions, it’s clear that maintaining proper hydration is crucial for overall health and well-being.

Benefits of Proper Hydration

What are the key benefits of staying well-hydrated?

• Improved cognitive function and mood
• Better physical performance and endurance
• Enhanced digestive health
• More efficient nutrient absorption and waste removal
• Better temperature regulation
• Healthier skin and joints
• Reduced risk of certain health issues, including kidney stones and urinary tract infections

While individual water needs can vary based on factors such as age, activity level, climate, and overall health, most health authorities recommend consuming at least 8 glasses (about 2 liters) of water per day as a general guideline.

Signs of Dehydration

Recognizing the signs of dehydration is important for maintaining optimal hydration. Some common indicators include:

• Thirst
• Dark-colored urine
• Dry mouth and lips
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Decreased urine output

If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to increase your fluid intake and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Strategies for Maintaining Proper Hydration

Given the importance of hydration, it’s essential to develop strategies to ensure you’re getting enough water throughout the day.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

How can you ensure you’re drinking enough water? Here are some practical tips:

1. Carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day.
2. Set reminders on your phone or computer to drink water regularly.
3. Drink a glass of water with each meal.
4. Eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
5. Flavor your water with natural ingredients like lemon or cucumber if you find plain water unappealing.
6. Drink water before, during, and after exercise.
7. Monitor the color of your urine – it should be pale yellow to clear if you’re well-hydrated.

Remember, while water is the best choice for hydration, other beverages and water-rich foods can also contribute to your daily fluid intake. However, be cautious with caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can have a diuretic effect and potentially contribute to dehydration if consumed in large quantities.

Water Quality and Its Impact on Health

While the quantity of water we consume is crucial, the quality of that water is equally important. The purity and mineral content of the water we drink can have significant impacts on our health.

The Importance of Clean Water

Why is clean water so important for health? Contaminated water can lead to a variety of health issues, including:

• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Parasitic infections
• Chemical toxicity
• Long-term health effects from prolonged exposure to contaminants

In many parts of the world, access to clean water remains a significant challenge, highlighting the importance of global efforts to improve water quality and availability.

Mineral Content in Water

The mineral content of water can also play a role in health. Some minerals commonly found in water include:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Trace amounts of other minerals

While these minerals are generally beneficial in moderate amounts, excessive levels can potentially lead to health issues. For example, very hard water (high in calcium and magnesium) might contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.

It’s worth noting that while bottled water is often marketed as superior, in many developed countries, tap water is subject to strict quality controls and can be just as safe and healthy to drink. If you have concerns about your local water quality, consider using a home water filter or having your water tested.

Water and Environmental Considerations

As we consider the importance of water for human health, it’s crucial to also think about the broader environmental implications of our water use and consumption habits.

Water Conservation

Why is water conservation important? Despite water covering much of our planet, freshwater suitable for human consumption is a limited resource. Some reasons to conserve water include:

• Preserving ecosystems that depend on freshwater sources
• Reducing energy use associated with water treatment and distribution
• Ensuring long-term availability of clean water for future generations
• Mitigating the impacts of droughts and water shortages

Simple steps like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and being mindful of water use in daily activities can contribute significantly to water conservation efforts.

Bottled Water and Environmental Impact

While bottled water can be convenient, it’s important to consider its environmental impact. Issues associated with bottled water include:

• Plastic waste: Many plastic bottles end up in landfills or oceans.
• Energy consumption: The production and transportation of bottled water require significant energy.
• Resource depletion: Bottling companies can deplete local water sources in some areas.

When possible, using reusable water bottles and drinking tap water (filtered if necessary) can be a more environmentally friendly option.

Future Challenges and Innovations in Water Management

As global population growth and climate change continue to put pressure on water resources, innovative approaches to water management and conservation are becoming increasingly important.

Emerging Technologies in Water Management

What are some of the innovative technologies being developed to address water challenges? Here are a few examples:

• Desalination: Improving efficiency of converting seawater to freshwater
• Water recycling: Advanced treatment methods to safely reuse wastewater
• Smart water systems: Using IoT technology to monitor and optimize water use
• Atmospheric water generation: Extracting water from air humidity
• Nanotechnology: Developing more efficient water filtration methods

These technologies, along with continued research and development, offer hope for addressing future water challenges and ensuring sustainable access to clean water for all.

How the Human Body Uses Water

We
all know that water is the most important element on our planet. Every living thing, from tiny cyanobacteria to giant
blue whales, needs water to survive. Life would not exist without water,
and wherever there is water you will find life.  

It’s common knowledge that water is vital for survival. But you might be
surprised to learn just how intrinsic water is to almost every one of your
body’s everyday functions – from breathing to digestion to the tiniest of
muscle movements. Here’s a quick guide to how the human body uses good old h30,
24/7/365, and how to take advantage of that to maximise your watery
wellbeing! 

A few fascinating facts to “wet” your appetite

• Water plays a massive part in our moods and in our body’s ability to release energy from food. Feeling tired, lethargic, a bit low? It could be something more serious, but there’s a pretty good chance you’re just dehydrated.

• Brain cells are 80% water. For an average person, a 2% reduction in body water levels is enough to cause a 20% decrease in mental and physical performance. That’s the same as drinking four shots of alcohol, or twice as much as suffering from a bad hangover (and considerably less fun than either)!

• We say for an average person, because there’s evidence that some athletes have managed to “hack” their metabolisms through intensive training. World-class sportsmen can often perform incredible physical feats while suffering from levels of dehydration that would debilitate lesser mortals. Legendary long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie once dropped 9.8% of his body mass running the Dubai marathon – a race that he won with a record-breaking time of 2:05:29. A similar study found that the top five finishers in South Africa’s gruelling Iron Man triathlon all shed around 8% of their body weights – One even lost 11%!

• That’s even more incredible when you consider that the body is around 60 per cent water – so losing 11% body mass means shedding almost twice that in terms of water content. Plus, if all this talk of athletic achievements is making you cast guilty looks at your running shoes, you can tell yourself you’re not overweight – just well hydrated.

Now for the Science – How the Human Body Uses Water

Your
body uses water in almost every one of its parts and processes. Cells, organs, bones
and tissues all rely on it – from transporting the building blocks of biology
to evacuating the waste products left behind. Water lets us regulate our
temperature, digest our food and transmit electrical signals to control our
organs and muscles. Let’s dive in!

Water Regulates Your Temperature

Lashing
rain, howling winds and temperatures you can count on the fingers of one hand.
That’s right: it’s British summertime again. And while you huddle
optimistically over a sputtering barbecue in your winter woollies, your body is
working hard behind the scenes to keep your core temperature hovering around
its sweet spot – within a degree or so of 37 degrees Celsius.

One of the main ways it does so is by directing the flow of blood around the body. By opening veins and arteries close to the skin, your body can radiate heat into the surrounding air to cool you down. Conversely, by directing flow deeper into the body, it insulates the blood under layers of protective fat and tissue to trap and recycle the maximum amount of warmth. Fun fact, this process is the reason you turn red when you’re hot, and pale when you’re cold!

Water is essential for this process because it’s the main ingredient in sweat. Evaporating sweat carries heat away from the body many times faster than air alone – which is also why it’s much harder to stay cool in humid environments, where sweat struggles to evaporate. Blood is also around 50% water, and the part of your brain that regulates the whole thing is about 80% good old h30 – so water is key to every part of the process. 

Water Protects Your Tissues, Spinal Cord, and Joints

Ever wondered why your bones don’t grind together when you walk around? No? Well – fair enough, but it’s also thanks to our old friend water! You have a bag of something called “synovial fluid” in between each of your joints, which acts as a cushion to protect and lubricate the ends. It absorbs the knocks and shocks of everyday life like the soft sole of a shoe; helping to prevent a range of ailments from regular strains and sprains through to osteoarthritis. Even your bones are 30% water!

Water Lets you Digest Food

Most people associate the stomach and bowels with
digestion, but it starts in the mouth with saliva. No prizes for guessing that
water is the main component, mixed up with a few key enzymes and electrolytes. Water
also plays a major role in the production of stomach acid, the movement of food
through the body, and of course its eventual exit (of which we will spare you
the details)! Ingesting water before, during or even after a meal is proven to improve
your uptake of vitamins and nutrients while helping the kidneys to filter out
what your body can’t use. In fact, almost every single chemical reaction that goes on in your
body uses water to balance the reagents and keep things ticking along smoothly,
and the part of the brain that controls it (the pituitary gland) – you guessed
it, 75% water.

Kind of crazy when you stop to think about it, right?

Handy Hydration Hacks for healthier, happier humans!

So now that we know we’re mostly water – or to use a
wonderful turn of phrase from Paloma Faith, “we’re pretty much just cucumbers with anxiety” –
what do we do with this information? Well, Hero Labs has got your back – here’s
our handy hydration hacks for healthier, happier humans. Hurray!

Water for weight loss

There’s mounting evidence that drinking water before a meal helps to
occupy space in the stomach and bowels, meaning we trigger our “satiety response”
sooner and don’t need as many calories to feel full. In one study, participants
who drank a glass before dinner lost 40% more weight than those who didn’t
over a period of three months. Drinking water also seems to raise our
metabolisms and make us burn more calories for the subsequent 90 minutes or so, even while
sitting still. And on top of that – there’s some evidence that it reduces our appetites for sweet things overall, so a glass of water is
a weight-loss triple whammy.

Water for mental performance

Got an exam or an interview coming up – or even a hot date that you really want to impress? Make sure you’re well hydrated, because water has a huge impact on your mood and cognitive performance. Maintaining a good level of hydration has been shown to improve memory, attention, problem-solving and coordination. There’s evidence that it helps us stay calmer under pressure and reduce anxiety. It’s even been linked to happiness and a reduction in negative, depressive thinking. But perhaps the strangest fact, brought to you by researchers from the University of Twente in Holland, is that we do our best thinking when we desperately need to pee! It’s a risky strategy, but maybe you should try downing five glasses of water before your next big life event as these participants did. Science says you’ll make better decisions!

Water for physical performance

We’ve talked about how water improves the uptake of nutrients and facilitates their transport around the body. When exercising, our bodies are under increased strain and rely on this transport mechanism to deliver fuel and remove waste products from the muscles. A key waste product is lactic acid, and it’s responsible for the “burn” that we feel when exercising hard – eventually becoming pain, and putting a limit on our activities. But lactic acid is soluble in water, so the more hydrated you are the more dilute it is and the longer you can perform. 

If you’re training
for strength, you’ll know that new muscle is formed through a process of “tear
and repair”. The “protein synthesis” mechanism that governs this relies
heavily on water, so strength gains
rely not only on repeated exercise but also on adequate hydration. Many
athletes use isotonic drinks to maximise their hydration – meaning they have
exactly the same “osmotic
pressure” as blood, and therefore hydrate the body better
than water itself. You can spend a fortune on specialist isotonic formulas, but
we recommend just making your own from
fruit squash, plain water and a pinch of salt. It really is that simple!

Water for Beauty

We’re usually
pretty sceptical when it comes to claims about cosmetics, but there’s a decent
enough body of evidence behind the idea that well-hydrated
people tend to have better skin and hair. Our
cells are mostly water, so maintaining a good level hydration keeps them plump
and tends to smooth out blemishes and wrinkles. You may not even need to worry
about drinking it – one Japanese study found that misting
plain water onto participant’s faces was at
least as effective as several leading anti-ageing creams! Another study found that
drinking 500ml of water at a time promotes blood-flow
to the face – making us appear
healthier, and mimicking the subtle changes that occur when we look at someone
we fancy (!). Another tick in the “hot date” box, then? Either way, plenty of
good reasons to stay hydrated.

If this article has you looking at water in all kinds of new ways, perhaps you’d like to treat your humble home plumbing to a smart leak detector from Hero Labs. Sonic by Hero Labs is a clever little box that monitors your whole home for leaks, reducing water waste and protecting your possessions too. It’s even smart enough to tell you which appliances use the most water so you can stay on top of your bill, and help to protect the planet as well. Water’s wonderful stuff, so show it some love with Sonic!

How Much Water Do You Need?

Contributors: Barbara Gordon, RDN, LD and Sarah Klemm, RDN, CD, LDN

Published: June 23, 2022

Reviewed: June 13, 2022

When it comes to how much water to drink daily, most people recite the 8 x 8 rule. But, do you really need to drink eight 8-ounce glasses, or 64 ounces, of water every day?

Water is Essential to Life

About 60% of your body is made of water. It plays a role in keeping all of your body systems working well. Staying well hydrated can help reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, urinary tract infections and constipation.

You lose water throughout the day with normal body processes, such as making urine, having bowel movements and sweating. Very active individuals can lose more water through sweat, as the body tries to cool itself down. The same is true at higher altitudes and when you are out in extreme temperatures. Plus, illnesses such as fever and diarrhea result in additional water loss.

The Risks of Dehydration and Overhydration

If you lose more water than you take in, your body can become dehydrated. Dehydration can wreak havoc on your body, causing headaches, dizziness or digestion problems. Mild dehydration may impact your mood, memory or how well you’re able to process information. These symptoms often go away once your body gets rehydrated. Medical attention is often needed with severe dehydration, since it can lead to more serious problems such as confusion, kidney failure, heart problems and possibly death.

It is also possible to become overhydrated. Although this is not as common, athletes and individuals with certain medical conditions may be at higher risk for overhydration. Symptoms of severe overhydration are often similar to dehydration and may also require medical attention. For example, confusion and seizures can occur. Individuals participating in long stretches of physical activity, such as marathons, often need to replace both water and sodium losses. In these events, a hydration schedule is usually followed, and beverages such as sports drinks may be recommended.

Fluid Needs Vary

Many factors impact how much water you need, including your age, sex, activity level, and overall health. More water is needed by individuals during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as congestive heart failure or renal disease, also have different fluid needs. The same is true for those with serious infections or diarrhea.

Adequate intake levels for water have been determined for generally, healthy people and are based on age and sex.

For women, the amount of total water is about 11.5 cups per day and for men about 15.5 cups. These estimates, however, include fluids consumed from both foods and beverages, including water. You typically get about 20% of the water you need from the food you eat. Taking that into account, women need about nine cups of fluid per day and men about 13 cups in order to help replenish the amount of water that is lost.

Color Check

A quick and easy way to check if you are getting enough water overall is to take a peek at the color of your urine. If you are consuming enough, the urine color will be a pale yellow color. If it is a dark yellow or amber color, you may need to increase the amount you consume.

Sources of Water

It’s important to replace those water losses to stay in good health. You can do this by enjoying a variety of beverages, as well as eating foods that have a high water content, such as fruits and vegetables. For drinks, focus on unsweetened beverages, like water, in order to limit calories from added sugars.

Ways to Increase Water

• Listen to your body: If you are thirsty, drink water. This is especially important if you are active or live in very hot climates.
• Opt for water: Instead of soda or energy drinks, go with a tall glass of water.
• Drink water throughout the day: Consume water with meals, as well as between meals.
• Carry a refillable water bottle: Keep water handy, so it’s there when you want to reach for a drink.
• Add a flavor enhancer: For variety, squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice into your water, toss in a couple of cucumber slices or add a few fresh basil leaves.

Foods That Are High in Water

Options with a 90-100% water content, include:

• Drinks like water, sparkling water and fat-free milk.
• Fruits, especially cantaloupe, strawberries and watermelon.
• Vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, celery, spinach and cooked squash.

Options with a 70-89% water content, include:

• Fruits including bananas, grapes, oranges, pears and pineapples.
• Vegetables such as carrots, cooked broccoli and avocados.
• Dairy products like yogurt, cottage cheese and ricotta cheese.

Need Help Figuring Out Your Fluid Needs?

A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can help you estimate your fluid needs. Ask your health care provider for a referral to an RDN. Or, use the Academy’s Find a Nutrition Expert tool to locate an RDN in your area.

Looking for credible nutrition information and recommendations? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ network of credentialed food and nutrition practitioners are ready to help!

See Directory

Functions of water in the human body

Water is a unique natural element. The composition of its molecule includes two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Water has three states of aggregation – liquid, solid and gaseous. It acquires a solid form at 0 degrees, gaseous – at 100. Despite the fact that water can freeze, only the top layer is covered with ice in reservoirs. This is due to the lower density than that of the deep and bottom layers.

The unique properties of water are manifested not only in the natural environment, but also in the human body. We regularly deal with water, using it for drinking and cooking. Knowing about its characteristics, you can control consumption and achieve significantly greater health benefits. Such features are called functions, which in turn are divided into two groups.

The first is responsible for the maintenance of life – this refers to the ability of water to be a solvent and transporter of nutrients. The second represents energy generation processes. Water is able to produce hydroelectric energy at the cellular level, thereby triggering the process of food breakdown and hydrolysis. It also has adhesive properties that hold the membranes together in a rigid structure.

What are the functions of water in the body?

Insufficient fluid intake leads to a gradual restriction of vital processes, which in turn leads to the most negative consequences. For this reason, it is so important to ensure the timely intake of water, and to ensure that it is of high quality. In this case, it will be possible to count on the transfer of basic functions. These include:

• Transportation of blood cells, which are the main striking force of the immune system.
• Dissolution of materials and substances necessary for life, including oxygen and minerals. This allows you to slow down the aging of cells.
• Provides communication between solid parts of cells, due to which a protective barrier is formed. With an insufficient amount of water in the body, this task is assigned to cholesterol.
• Actuation of ion pumps, which in turn ensure the full movement of trace elements. This is achieved due to the free passage of water through the cell membrane.
• Maintaining osmotic balance. During the rotation of proteins by water, microelements begin to act as magnets, thereby forming energy. It accumulates in special stores located in different parts of the body.

In addition to the listed features, it is impossible not to mention the ability of water to dissolve all mineral and nutrients. These include vitamins and amino acids. Water also controls the process of thermoregulation to ensure a comfortable temperature level. Without water, the body will not be able to safely remove waste products, including toxins, and digest food normally. It is with its help that he receives the necessary useful substances and gets rid of harmful ones.

Importance of keeping a drinking regimen

In order to count on the full benefits of water, the body must receive it regularly, in the required amount. Even with a slight decrease in the level of water in the body, a person begins to experience a feeling of thirst – according to the results of medical research, this happens even with a drop in the amount by 1-2%. Compliance with the correct drinking regime contributes to the preservation of the physiological water balance.

At the same time, it is important to drink water without waiting for the appearance of thirst, since this reflex manifests itself rather late and cannot be considered an adequate indicator. The daily norm of water is 30-50 milliliters per 1 kilogram of weight. We are talking specifically about water, and not about other drinks such as tea, coffee and juices. A balanced drinking regime will minimize pressure problems and other negative factors.

The effect of water on our body

The effect of water on our body

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Normal functioning of the human body is impossible without regular use of pure drinking water. In the absence of fluid, the human body stops working as it should. Subsequently, this can lead not only to a malfunction of vital organs, but even to their complete failure. Therefore, it is so important to monitor the level of fluid in the body.

It has been experimentally determined that the body of an adult consists of 70% water. To maintain water balance per day, you need to drink at least two liters of fluid. Thus, excessive concentration of toxins can be prevented. But it is worth noting that the recommended 2 liters is a rather subjective indicator. An adult should consume water daily at the rate of 40 ml per 1 kg of weight. Thus, the average man weighing 80 kg daily needs to drink more than three liters of fluid. If this norm is not met, there is a risk of dehydration of the body, which can lead to metabolic disorders and subsequent weight gain.

Water as a way to lose weight

Given that water does not contain extra kilocalories, it can be consumed in liters without worrying about your figure. In addition, water contributes to the normal digestion of food and the formation of gastric juice. Lack of water can lead to deficiency of gastric juice. As a result of this, a significant part of the food will turn into fats, which over time will develop into obesity. At the same time, pure water saves the body from expending excess energy. It is she who helps to process soda, alcohol, fast food and other harmful products. Drinking the recommended amount of water allows a person to feel fresher and more energetic.

Thus, regular consumption of a sufficient volume of clean drinking water helps to normalize weight and improve health. It is worth adding that in order to achieve the desired effect, it is recommended to drink at least 200 ml of water 15-20 minutes before meals.

Other ways water affects the body

Keeping the water balance also promotes skin rejuvenation. The liquid used does not allow the skin cells to dry out, regularly nourishing them with moisture. Water is also used as a natural “lubricant for joints and muscle tissue”. Due to its effect, muscle spasms are prevented. That is why athletes are advised to drink water both before and after training or competition.

Athletes regularly drink water to restore energy.