About Body Water – Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders

HEALTHY LIVING

By

James L. Lewis III

, MD, Brookwood Baptist Health and Saint Vincent’s Ascension Health, Birmingham

Reviewed/Revised Apr 2022 | Modified Sep 2022

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Water accounts for about one half to two thirds of an average person’s weight. Fat tissue has a lower percentage of water than lean tissue and women tend to have more fat, so the percentage of body weight that is water in the average woman is lower (52 to 55%) than it is in the average man (60%). The percentage of body weight that is water is also lower in older people and in obese people. The percentage of body weight that is water is higher (70%) at birth and in early childhood.

A 154-pound (70-kilogram) man has a little over 10.5 gallons (42 liters) of water in his body: 7 gallons (28 liters) inside the cells, 2.5 gallons (about 10.5 liters) in the space around the cells, and slightly less than 1 gallon (3.5 liters, or about 8% of the total amount of water) in the blood.

Water intake must balance water loss. To maintain water balance—and to protect against dehydration Dehydration Dehydration is a deficiency of water in the body. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, burns, kidney failure, and use of diuretics may cause dehydration. People feel thirsty, and as dehydration… read more , the development of kidney stones Stones in the Urinary Tract Stones (calculi) are hard masses that form in the urinary tract and may cause pain, bleeding, or an infection or block of the flow of urine. Tiny stones may cause no symptoms, but larger stones… read more , and other medical problems—healthy adults should drink at least 1½ to 2 quarts (about 2 liters) of fluids a day. Drinking too much is usually better than drinking too little, because excreting excess water is much easier for the body than conserving water. However, when the kidneys are functioning normally, the body can handle wide variations in fluid intake.

Did You Know…

The body obtains water primarily by absorbing it from the digestive tract. Additionally, a small amount of water is produced when the body processes (metabolizes) certain nutrients.

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The body loses water primarily by excreting it in urine from the kidneys. Depending on the body’s needs, the kidneys may excrete less than a pint or up to several gallons (about half a liter to over 10 liters) of urine a day. About 1½ pints (a little less than a liter) of water are lost daily when water evaporates from the skin and is breathed out by the lungs. Profuse sweating—which may be caused by vigorous exercise, hot weather, or a high body temperature—can dramatically increase the amount of water lost through evaporation. Normally, little water is lost from the digestive tract. However, prolonged vomiting or severe diarrhea can result in the loss of a gallon or more a day.

Usually, people can drink enough fluids to compensate for excess water loss. However, people who have severe vomiting Nausea and Vomiting in Adults Nausea is an unpleasant feeling of needing to vomit. People also may feel dizziness, vague discomfort in the abdomen, and an unwillingness to eat. Vomiting is a forceful contraction of the stomach… read more or diarrhea Diarrhea in Adults Diarrhea is an increase in the volume, wateriness, or frequency of bowel movements. (See also Diarrhea in Children.) The frequency of bowel movements alone is not the defining feature of diarrhea… read more may feel too ill to drink enough fluids to compensate for water loss, and dehydration Dehydration Dehydration is a deficiency of water in the body. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, burns, kidney failure, and use of diuretics may cause dehydration. People feel thirsty, and as dehydration… read more may result. Also, confusion, restricted mobility, or impaired consciousness can prevent people from sensing thirst or being able to drink enough fluids.

Mineral salts (electrolytes Overview of Electrolytes Well over half of the body’s weight is made up of water. Doctors think about the body’s water as being restricted to various spaces, called fluid compartments. The three main compartments are… read more ), such as sodium and potassium, are dissolved in the water in the body. Water balance and electrolyte balance Electrolyte Balance are closely linked. The body works to keep the total amount of water and the levels of electrolytes in the blood constant. For example, when the sodium level becomes too high, thirst develops, leading to an increased intake of fluids. In addition, vasopressin (also called antidiuretic hormone), a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland (a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain) in response to dehydration, causes the kidneys to excrete less water. The combined effect is an increased amount of water in the blood. As a result, sodium is diluted and the balance of sodium and water is restored. When the sodium level becomes too low, the kidneys excrete more water, which decreases the amount of water in the blood, again restoring the balance.

In the body, several mechanisms work together to maintain water balance. These include

Thirst is one of the most important mechanisms to maintain water balance. When the body needs water, nerve centers deep within the brain are stimulated, resulting in the sensation of thirst. The sensation becomes stronger as the body’s need for water increases, motivating a person to drink the needed fluids. When the body has excess water, thirst is suppressed.

An interaction between the pituitary gland and the kidneys provides another mechanism. When the body is low in water, the pituitary gland secretes vasopressin (also called antidiuretic hormone) into the bloodstream. Vasopressin stimulates the kidneys to conserve water and excrete less urine. When the body has excess water, the pituitary gland secretes little vasopressin, enabling the kidneys to excrete excess water in the urine.

In osmosis, water flows passively from one area or compartment of the body to another. This passive flow allows the larger volumes of fluid in the cells and the area around the cells to act as reservoirs to protect the more critical but smaller volume of fluid in the blood vessels from dehydration Dehydration Dehydration is a deficiency of water in the body. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, burns, kidney failure, and use of diuretics may cause dehydration. People feel thirsty, and as dehydration… read more .

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15 foods that help you stay hydrated

Summer sun and outdoor fun can take a lot out of you — especially water. Water makes up at least 60% of your body, and it plays a vital role in keeping your body functioning as it should. But high temperatures and excessive sweating can cause you to lose water quickly.

The good news is that you don’t need to drink gallons of water to stay hydrated. You can also get needed water from the food you eat.

Here’s what you need to know:

Why hydration is important

You may not realize it, but water is an important key to feeling good. It helps regulate your body temperature, prevent infections, get rid of waste and deliver nutrients to cells. Water also plays a role in your mental wellness. Without enough, you could have trouble with sleep, memory, information processing and mood.

Common signs you’re starting to dehydrate include:

• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dull skin
• Fatigue
• Headaches

How much water should you drink a day?

Sarah Adler, MS, RD, a performance dietitian with UCLA Health Sports Performance, Powered by Exos, suggests consuming ½ ounce to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. That amount will vary depending on a person’s weight and activity level, among other factors.

Drinking the recommended daily amount of water may seem daunting. The good news is that it doesn’t all need to be plain water. As you’d expect, you can get hydration from coffee, tea and flavored still or sparkling water. Your body can also absorb water from food.

Foods that hydrate you

Your body typically gets about 20% of the water it needs from the foods you eat throughout the day. Foods that typically provide the highest water content are raw fruits and vegetables. Eating a diet heavy in produce is a good way to give the body vitamins, minerals and fiber while increasing your daily water intake.

Any fruits and vegetables with more than 80% water content are a great choice. But these foods (all with a water content greater than 92%) offer the best bang for your buck when it comes to getting the water your body needs:

1. Cucumber (96%)

If you love the crunch of a cucumber, you’re in luck. Cucumbers have the highest water content of any solid food.

2. Iceberg Lettuce (96%)

Darker greens do provide more fiber, folate and vitamin K. But when it comes to staying hydrated, crispy iceberg has the goods.

3. Celery (95%)

In addition to being full of water, celery is a great source of fiber. Add some protein-rich nut butter and you have a healthy (and thirst-quenching) snack.

4. Radishes (95%)

This root veggie is full of flavor, vitamin C and fiber but low in calories. Add them to a green salad or grate them into a summer slaw.

5. Romaine Lettuce (95%)

This dark, leafy green packs in a lot of water but also provides many nutritional benefits. Romaine is a good source of vitamins C and A, folate and fiber.

6. Tomatoes (94%)

Many people think of tomatoes as vegetables, but they are actually the fruit with the highest water content. They also contain lycopene, which helps prevent cell damage.

7. Zucchini & Summer Squash (94%)

Whether you eat summer squash cooked or raw, it provides the same amount of water. So don’t be afraid to throw some zucchini on the grill next to your turkey burger.

8. Asparagus (92%)

With its rough texture, most people choose to eat cooked asparagus. But its water content is the same whether you eat it cooked or raw, so go ahead and grill up some spears.

9. Bell peppers (92%)

All shades of bell peppers will quench your thirst, but green ones lead the pack in water content. As a bonus, bell peppers are high in antioxidants.

10. Cabbage (92%)

All common varieties of cabbage contain a lot of water raw and even more when cooked (94%). Some Chinese cabbages, such as bok choy, are 96% water and taste great tossed into a salad.

11. Cauliflower (92%)

If you love riced cauliflower, but don’t like to eat it raw, you’re in luck. Cooked cauliflower, like cabbage, provides even more water (93%) than eating it raw.

12. Mushrooms (92%)

The health benefits of mushrooms are impressive. But to get the most water from your shrooms, eat them raw.

13. Spinach (92%)

Spinach is a great summer staple for salads and smoothies. In addition to its high water content, it’s packed with nutrition including calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium.

14. Strawberries (92%)

These sweet berries are a great choice when you’re hot and sweaty. They’re low in calories, but high in water, fiber and vitamin C.

15. Watermelon (92%)

It’s no surprise that watermelon will hydrate you. But, like tomatoes and other red fruits and veggies, it’s also a great source of lycopene.

If you have questions about how much water you should be getting, reach out to your primary care physician.

Water in the human body | BWATER

Water in the human body

Water is an essential element of our body. Lack of fluid is fraught with serious and irreparable disruptions in the operation of various systems. We need to replenish the balance of water daily. However, not all fluids are suitable for this purpose. Let’s see how many people consist of water and how to drink it correctly?

How much water is in the human body?

So, in order to understand how much the body consists of water, it is worth turning to scientific data. According to them, the human body contains from 50 to 80% of the liquid. With age, its amount decreases significantly, which leads to physiological changes: the skin becomes flabby, collagen production slows down, problems with blood vessels appear.

External factors can also reduce the level of water in the tissues. For example, increased physical activity, a sharp change in climatic zones, diseases accompanied by nausea and diarrhea. If the water level in the tissues drops to 25%, the person dies.

By the way! In the body of a newborn child, the percentage of water is much higher than that of an adult. People who have an athletic build have a higher fluid content in the body than those who are obese.

The role of water in our body

Not everyone realizes why water is needed in the human body? Let’s look into this issue together with you.

So, water is the basis of all physiological fluids circulating in our body. It is the basis of blood, lymph, collagen, brain, etc. Every day our body produces a huge amount of various fluids. For example, in just one day the body of an adult produces up to 1.5 liters of saliva and up to 2 liters of sweat.

Water for the body is the main source of life. It is necessary for the following processes:

• Transfer of minerals and nutrients to organs and tissues.
• Dissolving salts and other compounds for their subsequent removal from the body.
• Moisturizing mucous membranes: mouth, eyes, etc. Thus, protection against pathogenic microorganisms and viruses is created.
• Body temperature regulation.
• Timely tissue detoxification.

If a person is deprived of the opportunity to drink water, he will die within 6 days. The functions of water in the human body are among the most important.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration

Knowing how much water is in the human body, you can always maintain its content at normal levels. However, sometimes there are situations when it is not possible to replenish the liquid balance. If a person has not drunk for a long time, after a while he will develop dehydration. This is a dangerous condition, fraught with the onset of death.

Dehydration can be caused by a variety of factors, such as illness. Moreover, with age we lose the ability to recognize the feeling of thirst. Newborns can suffer from improper care. Regardless of the cause, the consequences of such a condition will be dire, especially if medical care was not provided on time.

When there is a lack of fluid, the vital organs are the first to suffer. They slow down their work and go into “power saving” mode. The nervous system takes the first blow, immunity is turned off, the heart, blood vessels, and digestive tract suffer.

To understand that the amount of water in the human body has decreased to a minimum, the following symptoms help:

• Strong thirst.
• Dry mouth.
• Constipation and other stool disorders.
• Violation of the digestive tract.
• Dullness of hair and nails.
• Darker urine color change.
• Headaches.
• Peeling of the skin.
• Headaches.
• Accumulation of thick mucus in the nose, etc.

Since water is the main quantity in the human body, its lack quickly leads to organ failure. The blood becomes thicker, the heart has to work harder.

What causes dehydration?

Even slight moisture deficiency leads to side effects. The longer this condition is maintained, the more serious the consequences. The most common complications are:

• Development of cholelithiasis.
• Formation of sand and stones in the kidneys.
• Disorders of the heart.
• Formation of blood clots in vessels.
• Impaired vision.
• Problems with the nervous system.
• Disorders of the brain, difficulties with the perception and memorization of information.
• Diabetes, etc.

The water content in the human body must be maintained at an optimal level. It is important to follow this daily.

Remember! If you have young children or the elderly in your care, you must personally monitor their level of moisture intake.

What water can you drink?

Water plays the role of fuel in the human body. Our health and general condition of the body depends on its quality. A good and high-quality liquid supplies the tissues with minerals and salts. It can be:

• Plumbing. In large cities, chlorine is used to disinfect it, giving it a characteristic smell. When interacting with salts, chlorine forms dangerous compounds that accumulate in the body, leading to serious complications. In addition, rust and scale accumulate in old water pipes, which enter the liquid. This option is not suitable for drinking raw.
• Boiled. Considered one of the safest. Under the influence of high temperatures, pathogenic microbes do not die, chlorine evaporates, and salts precipitate. However, if the liquid contained herbicides or heavy metals, they will not go anywhere. Moreover, with repeated boiling, the liquid loses its beneficial properties.
• Bottled. Also not a good option. Long-term storage in a plastic bottle saturates the contents with toxic substances, which then enter the bloodstream and settle in the tissues. One of these compounds is Bisphenol A, which provokes the development of oncology.
• Filtered. Thanks to the use of a multi-stage filtration system, tap water becomes clean, tasty and safe. It is suitable for both clean consumption and cooking. At the same time, all useful elements remain in the composition.

Knowing how much water is in the human body, you can always keep it in a healthy state.

Water treatment methods

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The path of water in the human body is quite complicated. Our goal is to make it as useful as possible. To do this, you can use water treatment systems and drinking water treatment equipment:

• Vi-Tap drinking system. Most often installed in offices. A designer faucet is connected to the central water supply. The system produces three types of liquid: hot, cold, carbonated.
• Bottler water filling equipment. Such a system is suitable for the hospitality and hotel business. It supplies two types of liquid: cold, carbonated. Thanks to the designer faucet, you can collect it directly into bottles.

Knowing what the water from the tap contains, it is best to refuse to use it in its pure form. Bottled storage also does not benefit us. The only right decision is to install professional filters. Flow filters are a godsend for both offices and private homes.

How to drink water correctly?

How much we consist of water, we figured out above, and now, let’s figure out how to drink it correctly. To do this, you need to remember a few rules:

• Drink 2-2.5 liters of fluid per day, but at the same time focus on your body. Your rate may differ from the standard.
• Prefer filtered fluid. Do not store it in plastic bottles.
• Do not consume anything that has been boiled several times. In this case, instead of good, you will get harm.
• Increase consumption in hot weather, during exercise, while visiting a bath or sauna.
• During illness, when the body temperature rises, do not forget to drink more. This will help remove toxins from the tissues and alleviate the general condition.

Prefer filtered moisture. It contains all the necessary minerals and elements and does not harm the body. This is a great option for baby food or cooking delicious meals. Installing filters allows you to solve several problems at once and save money. The service life of modern structures is quite long, they are able to cope with significant loads. To install such a system, you must contact a trusted company. Thus, you can be completely sure that, indeed, living water flows from your taps.

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Benefits and harms of water | Department of Rospotrebnadzor for the Republic of Ingushetia

Water is a miracle created by nature and no organism on earth can live without it, moreover, water, which consists of only two molecules, is a substance that has no taste and smell, however, all the benefits and harms of drinking water to many unknown.

But it can change its state and under certain conditions, known to all, it passes from a gaseous form to a liquid, and then a solid state.

They say that water can be alive and dead, but this statement does not apply to biological life, like stone or iron, of course, here we are talking about the properties of water when its state and internal crystal lattice change.

Therefore, all the benefits and harms of drinking water have been studied for many centuries and thousands of properties have been found in it, for example, it does not change its chemical composition when boiled, it only kills bacteria, but in this case it does not become dead, as some people think.

As we have already said that no living organism can exist without drinking water and here are several reasons to confirm this, the first is that water has a beneficial effect on body cells, including skin cells, without it it becomes flabby and aging quickly.

Without water, it is impossible to remove toxins from the body, which makes it possible for the body not to be poisoned by metabolic products.

The whole benefit of water is that it reduces the viscosity of the blood, then when consumed in an amount of at least two liters per day, the risk of heart attack or stroke is reduced.

Water is a natural lubricant for human joints, and doctors say that insufficient water in the body causes muscle cramps, so all athletes should drink water before and after training, and not only athletes, but everyone who wants to live a long life without diseases.

Everyone knows that water leaves the human body in several ways, these are the excretory system, kidneys and rectum, as well as water is lost during breathing, sweating, and we restore water loss very reluctantly.

Everyone knows the benefits of drinking water and therefore it should be drunk in the amount of 2 liters per day, and replenish water in the body, only when drinking coffee, tea, compotes, fruit juices, soups and other products, but not pure water . The body requires pure water for its work, but not diluted with other products.

With loss of water, dehydration of the body, headaches begin, irritability sets in, the brain does not receive enough liquid blood, as a result of which hallucinations begin to appear, and then death, so the benefits of water are enormous.

The benefits of drinking water are that it is necessary for normal digestion, water helps to increase intestinal motility, water is involved in all chemical and biological processes of the gastrointestinal tract, it prevents constipation, and thanks to it, toxins are released from the body.

The benefit of water is to preserve the body from dehydration, which leads to a decrease in immunity, in connection with this, infectious diseases can occur, microorganisms will not be washed out in sufficient quantities, and the immune system will work poorly from dehydration.

The whole benefit of water is that it plays an important role in the metabolism of the body and is a thermoregulator, it works as a cooling system or vice versa heating, this is especially evident during physical exertion, when sweating increases, and thanks to it, the human body does not overheat , but requires additional drinking, this will be of great use to water.

It is generally accepted that water burns fat, especially when playing sports or during any physical activity, a large amount of sweat is released and, along with it, part of the fat, which reduces the weight of a person, and he loses weight. In conclusion, it can be noted that water improves the general well-being of a person, for any diseases, doctors advise drinking more water, which contributes to a better removal of toxins from the body, and at high temperatures, it acts as an antipyretic property.

We have considered the question of the benefits and harms of water for the body, but the question is what kind of water to drink, because we do not know. Water has no smell or color, but our food, or tap water, has both, and the third, impurities that are poisonous to our body, so water can be harmful.

Water in the body plays a major role in metabolic processes, therefore, when it is used, due to poor-quality water, a failure in all body systems can occur, due to the fact that various chemicals, often poisonous, enter the body along with water, this causes damage to water.

Why doesn’t humanity think that by polluting water sources, we are killing the future generation, so people think more and more about the water they drink, but water is harmful.