How does water impact human health. What are the key functions of water in the body. Why is proper hydration crucial for overall well-being. How much water should you drink daily for optimal health.

The Vital Role of Water in Human Health

Water is the essence of life, comprising a significant portion of our body weight and playing a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. From regulating temperature to flushing out toxins, water’s importance cannot be overstated. Let’s explore the 16 key reasons why water is indispensable for human health and well-being.

Saliva Production and Oral Health

Water is a primary component of saliva, which is essential for maintaining oral health and digestion. How does saliva contribute to our well-being? Saliva contains electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes that help break down food and keep our mouths clean. Without adequate hydration, saliva production may decrease, potentially leading to dry mouth and related issues.

The Impact of Age and Medications on Saliva Production

As we age or take certain medications, our saliva production might naturally decrease. If you notice persistent dry mouth despite increasing your water intake, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Temperature Regulation and Hydration

One of water’s most crucial functions is maintaining body temperature. How does water help regulate our internal temperature? When we engage in physical activity or are exposed to hot environments, our bodies produce sweat to cool us down. This process requires adequate hydration to be effective.

Dehydration can lead to a rise in body temperature, as the body loses essential electrolytes and plasma. To prevent this, it’s vital to replenish lost fluids, especially during intense physical activities or in warm climates.

Joint Lubrication and Tissue Protection

Water plays a significant role in lubricating and cushioning our joints, spinal cord, and tissues. This function is particularly important for individuals with conditions like arthritis. How does proper hydration benefit our joints and tissues?

• Reduces friction between joints
• Provides cushioning for the spinal cord
• Helps maintain tissue elasticity
• Enhances overall mobility and comfort during physical activities

Waste Elimination and Kidney Function

Our bodies rely on water for various waste elimination processes, including sweating, urination, and bowel movements. How does water contribute to these essential functions?

1. Sweating: Regulates body temperature and eliminates toxins through the skin
2. Urination: Filters waste products through the kidneys
3. Bowel movements: Maintains healthy stool consistency and prevents constipation

Adequate water intake is crucial for kidney health, as it helps these vital organs filter waste more efficiently and reduces the risk of kidney stones. Are you consuming enough water to support your kidneys’ function?

Hydration and Athletic Performance

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, proper hydration is paramount. During intense physical activities, the body can lose up to 6-10% of its weight through sweat. How does hydration affect athletic performance?

• Enhances strength and power
• Improves endurance
• Regulates body temperature during exercise
• Prevents serious medical conditions like hyperthermia

Dehydration can significantly impair performance and pose serious health risks, especially in high-intensity sports or endurance training. To maintain optimal performance and safety, athletes should prioritize fluid intake before, during, and after physical activities.

Digestive Health and Nutrient Absorption

Contrary to some beliefs, drinking water before, during, and after meals actually aids in digestion. How does water contribute to better digestion and nutrient absorption?

• Helps break down food more effectively
• Dissolves vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
• Facilitates the transport of nutrients throughout the body
• Prevents constipation by maintaining proper stool consistency

For those experiencing constipation, increasing water intake, particularly carbonated water, may help alleviate symptoms. Remember, a well-hydrated digestive system is key to optimal nutrient absorption and overall health.

Weight Management and Metabolism

Research has shown a correlation between increased water intake and weight loss, particularly in overweight individuals. How does water contribute to weight management?

• Helps control appetite and reduce calorie intake
• Boosts metabolism, potentially increasing calorie burn
• Supports the body’s fat-burning processes
• Enhances the effectiveness of diet and exercise routines

One study found that drinking 500 milliliters of water increased metabolic rate by 30% in both men and women, with effects lasting over an hour. While water isn’t a magic solution for weight loss, it can be a valuable tool when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Circulation and Nutrient Transport

Water is essential for maintaining healthy circulation and transporting nutrients throughout the body. How does proper hydration benefit our circulatory system?

• Helps maintain blood volume and pressure
• Facilitates the delivery of oxygen to cells
• Supports the transport of vitamins and minerals
• Aids in removing waste products from tissues

By ensuring adequate water intake, you can improve your overall circulation and enhance the delivery of essential nutrients to every part of your body.

Disease Prevention and Health Maintenance

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in preventing various medical conditions. Which health issues can be mitigated by maintaining adequate water intake?

• Constipation
• Kidney stones
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Urinary tract infections
• Hypertension

Water’s ability to help absorb and transport essential nutrients throughout the body also contributes to overall health maintenance and disease prevention. By staying well-hydrated, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to function optimally and ward off potential health issues.

Energy Levels and Metabolic Function

Proper hydration can have a significant impact on your energy levels and metabolic function. How does water contribute to increased energy and improved metabolism?

• Activates metabolic processes
• Supports cellular energy production
• Helps maintain electrolyte balance
• Facilitates the transport of nutrients needed for energy production

Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can lead to decreased energy levels and impaired physical performance. By maintaining proper hydration, you can help ensure that your body has the resources it needs to sustain energy throughout the day.

Cognitive Function and Mental Health

The impact of hydration extends beyond physical health to affect cognitive function and mental well-being. How does water intake influence our brain function and mood?

• Supports focus and alertness
• Enhances short-term memory
• Helps regulate mood and reduce anxiety
• Prevents fatigue and confusion associated with dehydration

Research indicates that even mild dehydration can negatively affect cognitive performance and mood. By maintaining proper hydration, you can help ensure that your brain has the resources it needs to function optimally, potentially improving your mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Skin Health and Appearance

While not a direct moisturizer, proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and appearance. How does adequate water intake benefit our skin?

• Supports skin elasticity
• Helps flush out toxins that can affect skin appearance
• Aids in maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier
• Contributes to a healthy, radiant complexion

While drinking water alone isn’t a cure-all for skin issues, it does provide a foundation for healthy skin function. Combined with proper skincare and a balanced diet, adequate hydration can contribute to a more youthful and vibrant appearance.

Respiratory Health and Hydration

The relationship between hydration and respiratory health is often overlooked. How does proper water intake support our respiratory system?

• Helps maintain the moisture of mucous membranes in the respiratory tract
• Supports the thinning of mucus, making it easier to expel
• May help reduce the risk of respiratory infections
• Can alleviate symptoms of exercise-induced asthma

By staying well-hydrated, you can help ensure that your respiratory system functions optimally, potentially reducing the risk of respiratory issues and supporting overall lung health.

Hydration and Sleep Quality

While it’s important to balance hydration with sleep disruptions from nighttime bathroom visits, proper fluid intake can impact sleep quality. How does hydration affect our sleep patterns?

• Helps regulate body temperature for comfortable sleep
• Supports the production of sleep-regulating hormones
• May reduce the risk of leg cramps that can disrupt sleep
• Contributes to overall physical comfort, promoting better rest

Finding the right balance of hydration, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, can contribute to more restful and rejuvenating sleep. This, in turn, can have positive effects on overall health and well-being.

Optimal Daily Water Intake

Understanding the importance of water for health naturally leads to the question: how much water should you drink daily? While individual needs vary based on factors such as age, activity level, climate, and overall health, there are general guidelines to consider.

General Recommendations

• Adult men: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids per day
• Adult women: About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids per day

These recommendations include fluids from water, other beverages, and food. About 20% of daily fluid intake typically comes from food, with the rest from drinks.

Factors Affecting Water Needs

Several factors can influence your individual water needs:

• Exercise: Increase intake for intense or prolonged physical activity
• Environment: Hot or humid weather may require additional fluid intake
• Overall health: Certain conditions or illnesses may necessitate increased hydration
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Women who are pregnant or nursing need additional fluids

Listen to your body and drink water throughout the day. If you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or light yellow, your water intake is likely adequate.

By understanding the crucial role water plays in our health and striving to maintain proper hydration, we can support our bodies in countless ways. From cognitive function to physical performance, the benefits of adequate water intake touch every aspect of our well-being. Make hydration a priority in your daily routine, and your body will thank you with improved health and vitality.

16 Reasons Why Water Is Important to Human Health

Water makes up a majority of your body weight and is involved in many important functions. This includes flushing out waste from your body, regulating your body temperature, and helping your brain function.

You get most of your water from drinking beverages, but food also contributes a small amount to your daily water intake.

It’s common to hear that water is essential for your health. But why?

Read on to learn more ways water can help improve your well-being.

Water is a main component of saliva. Saliva also includes small amounts of electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes. It’s essential for breaking down solid food and keeping your mouth healthy.

Your body generally produces enough saliva with regular fluid intake. However, your saliva production may decrease as a result of age or certain medications or therapies.

If your mouth is drier than usual and increasing your water intake isn’t helping, see your doctor.

Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining your body temperature. Your body loses water through sweat during physical activity and in hot environments.

Your sweat keeps your body cool, but your body temperature will rise if you don’t replenish the water you lose. That’s because your body loses electrolytes and plasma when it’s dehydrated.

If you’re sweating more than usual, make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Water consumption helps lubricate and cushion your joints, spinal cord, and tissues. This will help you enjoy physical activity and lessen discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis.

Your body uses water to sweat, urinate, and have bowel movements.

Sweat regulates body temperature when you’re exercising or in warm temperatures. You need water to replenish the lost fluid from sweat.

You also need enough water in your system to have healthy stool and avoid constipation.

Your kidneys are also important for filtering out waste through urination. Adequate water intake helps your kidneys work more efficiently and helps to prevent kidney stones.

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Drinking plenty of water during physical activity is essential. Athletes may perspire up to 6 to 10 percent of body weight during physical activity.

Hydration also affects your strength, power, and endurance.

You may be more susceptible to the effects of dehydration if you’re participating in endurance training or high-intensity sports such as basketball.

Negative effects of exercise in the heat without enough water can include serious medical conditions, like decreased blood pressure and hyperthermia. Extreme dehydration can cause seizures and even death.

Eating fiber isn’t the only way to prevent constipation. It’s also important to maintain your water intake so your bowel movements contain enough water.

If you don’t consume enough water, magnesium, and fiber, you may be more likely to experience constipation.

If you’re already constipated, you may find that drinking carbonated water as well as plain water can help ease your symptoms.

Contrary to what some believe, experts confirm drinking water before, during, and after a meal will help your body break down the food you eat more easily. This will help you digest food more effectively and get the most out of your meals.

Research shows the body adapts to changes in the consistency of food and stomach contents, whether more solid or more liquid.

In addition to helping with food breakdown, water also helps dissolve vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from your food. It then delivers these vitamin components to the rest of your body for use.

Studies have linked body fat and weight loss with drinking water in both overweight girls and women. Drinking more water while dieting and exercising may just help you lose extra pounds.

Water carries helpful nutrients and oxygen to your entire body. Reaching your daily water intake will improve your circulation and have a positive impact on your overall health.

Drinking enough water can help prevent certain medical conditions. These include:

• constipation
• kidney stones
• exercise-induced asthma
• urinary tract infection
• hypertension

Water also helps you absorb important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from your food, which will increase your chances of staying healthy.

Drinking water may activate your metabolism. A boost in metabolism has been associated with a positive impact on energy level.

One study found that drinking 500 milliliters of water boosted the metabolic rate by 30 percent in both men and women. These effects appeared to last over an hour.

Proper hydration is key to staying in tip-top cognitive shape. Research indicates that not drinking enough water can negatively impact your focus, alertness, and short-term memory.

Not getting enough water can also affect your mood. Dehydration may result in fatigue and confusion as well as anxiety.

Adequate water intake will help keep your skin hydrated and may promote collagen production. However, water intake alone isn’t enough to reduce the effects of aging. This process is also connected to your genes and overall sun protection.

Dehydration is the result of your body not having enough water. And because water is imperative to so many bodily functions, dehydration can be very dangerous.

Severe dehydration can result in a number of severe complications, including:

• swelling in your brain
• kidney failure
• seizures

Make sure you drink enough water to make up for what’s lost through sweat, urination, and bowel movements to avoid dehydration.

Being attentive to the amount of water you drink each day is important for optimal health. Most people drink when they’re thirsty, which helps regulate daily water intake.

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, general water intake (from all beverages and foods) that meet most people’s needs are:

• about 15.5 cups of water (125 ounces) each day for men
• about 11. 5 cups (91 ounces) daily for women

People get about 20 percent of their daily water intake from food. The rest is dependent on drinking water and water-based beverages. So, ideally men would consume about 100 ounces (3.0 liters) of water from beverages, and women, about 73 ounces (2.12 liters) from beverages.

You’ll have to increase your water intake if you’re exercising or living in a hotter region to avoid dehydration.

Other ways to assess hydration include your thirst and the color of your urine. Feeling thirsty indicates your body is not receiving adequate hydration. Urine that is dark or colored indicates dehydration. Pale or non-colored urine typically indicates proper hydration.

Water is important to nearly every part of your body. Not only will hitting your daily recommended intake help you maintain your current state of being, it may even improve your overall health.

Here are some ideas for how you can be sure you drink enough:

• Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. This way you can drink whenever the need strikes.
• Keep track of your intake. Aim to take in optimum amounts every day, a minimum of half your body weight in ounces.
• Pace yourself to approach half of your recommended consumption by midday. You can always finish about an hour before you plan to sleep.

Water – a vital nutrient

The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. The body is made up of 50-75% water. Water forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones.

As the body can’t store water, we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from the lungs, skin, urine and faeces (poo). The amount we need depends on our body size, metabolism, the weather, the food we eat and our activity levels.

Water in our bodies

Some facts about our internal water supply include:

• Body water content is higher in men than in women and falls in both with age.
• Most mature adults lose about 2.5 to 3 litres of water per day. Water loss may increase in hot weather and with prolonged exercise.
• Elderly people lose about 2 litres per day.
• An air traveller can lose approximately 1.5 litres of water during a three-hour flight.
• Water loss needs to be replaced.

Importance of water

Water is needed for most body functions, including to:

• Maintain the health and integrity of every cell in the body.
• Keep the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through blood vessels.
• Help eliminate the by-products of the body’s metabolism, excess electrolytes (for example, sodium and potassium), and urea, which is a waste product formed through the processing of dietary protein.
• Regulate body temperature through sweating.
• Moisten mucous membranes (such as those of the lungs and mouth).
• Lubricate and cushion joints.
• Reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis by keeping the bladder clear of bacteria.
• Aid digestion and prevent constipation.
• Moisturise the skin to maintain its texture and appearance.
• Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells.
• Serve as a shock absorber inside the eyes, spinal cord and in the amniotic sac surrounding the foetus in pregnancy.

Water in our food

Most foods, even those that look hard and dry, contain water. The body can get about 20% of its total water requirements from solid foods alone.

The process of digesting foods also produces a small amount of water as a by-product which can be used by the body. Water sourced this way can provide around 10% of the body’s water requirements.

The remaining 70% or so of water required by the body must come from fluids (liquids).

The Australian Dietary GuidelinesExternal Link recommend that we drink plenty of water but how much is enough?

The amount of fluid your body needs each day depends on several factors, such as:

• your gender
• age
• how active you are
• whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• lifestyle.

How much fluid to drink each day

Infants 0–6 months*	0.7 litres
Infants 7–12 months#	0.8 litres total (with 0.6 litres as fluids)
Girls and boys 1–3 years	1 litre (about 4 cups)
Girls and boys 4–8 years	1.2 litres (about 5 cups)
Boys 9–13 years	1.6 litres (about 6 cups)
Boys 14–18 years	1.9 litres (about 7–8 cups)
Girls 9–13 years	1.4 litres (about 5–6 cups)
Girls 14–18 years	1.6 litres (about 6 cups)
Men 19 years+	2.6 litres (about 10 cups)
Women 19 years+	2.1 litres (about 8 cups)
Pregnant girls 14–18 years	1.8 litres (about 7 cups)
Pregnant women 19 years+	2.3 litres (about 9 cups)
Lactating girls 14–18 years	2.3 litres (about 9 cups)
Lactating women 19 years+	2. 6 litres (about 10 cups)

* from breastmilk or formula
# from breastmilk, formula, food, plain water and other beverages

These adequate intakes include all fluids, but it’s preferable that the majority of intake is from plain water (except for infants where fluid intake is met by breastmilk or infant formula).

Some people may need less fluid than this. For example, people:

• Who eat a lot of high-water content foods (such as fruits and vegetables).
• In cold environments.
• Who are largely sedentary.

Other people might need more fluid than the amount listed and will need to increase their fluid intake if they are:

• On a high-protein diet, to help the kidneys process the extra protein.
• On a high-fibre diet to help prevent constipation.
• Vomiting or have diarrhoea, to replace the extra fluids lost.
• Physically active, to replace the extra fluids lost through sweat.
• Exposed to warm or hot conditions, to replace the extra fluids lost through sweat.

Although activity levels affect the amount of fluid needed, there are many factors that influence the fluid needs of athletes during training and competition. For example, it is likely that athletes exercising in mild conditions will need less fluid than athletes competing at high intensities in warm conditions.

How to get enough fluid in your diet

If the idea of having to drink lots of cups of water a day doesn’t appeal, don’t worry – fluids include fresh water and all other liquids (such as milk, coffee, tea, soup, juice and even soft drinks).

Fresh water is the best drink because it does not contain energy (kilojoules) and is best for hydrating the body. Water from the tap is also mostly free and generally available wherever you go.

However, milk is about 90% water and is an important fluid, especially for children. Just remember to choose full-fat milk for children under 2 years old and low-fat and reduced-fat varieties for everyone else.

Tea can also be an important source of fluid. Tea can help you meet your daily fluid recommendations, and is a source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which appear to protect against heart disease and cancer.

If you prefer to get some of your fluids from fruit, aim to eat whole pieces of fresh fruit instead of having fruit juice – you’ll still get the delicious fruity juice (fluids) but you’ll also benefit from the bonus fibre and nutrients while avoiding the extra sugar found in fruit juice.

Tips for drinking more water

• Add a squeeze or slice of lemon or lime, or some strawberries or mint leaves to plain water to add variety.
• Keep a bottle or glass of water handy on your desk or in your bag.
• Drink some water with each meal and snack.
• Add ice cubes made from fresh fruit to a glass of water.

Limit mineral water intake

Commercially bottled mineral water contains salt, which can lead to fluid retention and swelling, and even increased blood pressure in susceptible people. Limit the amount of mineral water or choose low-sodium varieties (less than 30 mg sodium per 100 ml).

If you prefer bubbly water, think about getting a home soda water maker so you can just use tap water and make it fresh when needed.

Fluoride in water

An additional benefit of drinking tap (reticulated or mains) water in Victoria is that, in most areas, fluoride is added to the water. Bottled water does not usually have good levels of fluoride. Fluoridation of tap water helps prevent dental decay and is a safe and effective way of providing dental health benefits to everyone.

Find out if your area has water fluoridationExternal Link.

Avoid sugary and artificially sweetened drinks

The Australian Dietary GuidelinesExternal Link recommend all Australians to limit their intake of drinks containing added sugar. This includes:

• sugar-sweetened soft drinks and cordials
• fruit drinks
• vitamin-style waters
• flavoured mineral waters
• energy and sports drinks.

Having sugary drinks provides additional energy (kilojoules) to the diet, but no other essential nutrients. There is strong evidence of the association between having sugary dinks and excess weight gain in both children and adults, as well as reduced bone strength and tooth decay.

Artificially sweetened drinks add very little energy (kilojoules) to the diet and therefore do not contribute directly to weight gain. However, artificially sweetened drinks still maintain the ‘habit’ of drinking sweet drinks. They may also lead to decreased bone density (as people may drink less milk) and contribute to tooth decay due to their acidity.

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the water content of the body is too low. This is easily fixed by increasing fluid intake.

Symptoms of dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• thirst
• headaches
• lethargy
• mood changes and slow responses
• dry nasal passages
• dry or cracked lips
• dark-coloured urine
• weakness
• tiredness
• confusion and hallucinations.

If dehydration is not corrected by fluid intake, eventually urination stops, the kidneys fail, and the body can’t remove toxic waste products. In extreme cases, dehydration may result in death.

Causes of dehydration

There are several factors that can cause dehydration including:

• Not drinking enough water.
• Increased sweating due to hot weather, humidity, exercise or fever.
• Insufficient signalling mechanisms in the elderly – sometimes, older adults do not feel thirsty even though they may be dehydrated.
• Increased output of urine due to a hormone deficiency, diabetes, kidney disease or medications.
• Diarrhoea or vomiting.
• Recovering from burns.

Who is at risk of dehydration?

Anyone can experience dehydration but there are some people who can be more at risk – such as babies, children and the elderly.

Babies and children

Babies and children are susceptible to dehydration, particularly if they are ill. Vomiting, fever and diarrhoea can quickly cause dehydration.

Dehydration can be a life-threatening condition in babies and children. If you suspect dehydration, take your baby or child to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

Some of the symptoms of dehydration in babies and children include:

• cold skin
• lethargy
• dry mouth
• blue tinge to the skin (as circulation slows down)
• depressed fontanelle in babies (soft spot on top of the skull where the bones are yet to close).

Elderly people

Older people are often at risk of dehydration due to:

• changes to kidney function (declines with age)
• hormonal changes
• not feeling thirsty (body mechanisms that trigger thirst do not work as well as we age)
• medication (for example, diuretics and laxatives)
• chronic illness
• heat stress
• limited mobility.

Getting the right balance of fluid intake

Not drinking enough water can increase the risk of kidney stones and, in women, urinary tract infections (UTIs). It can also lower your physical and mental performance, and your salivary gland function, and lead to dehydration.

But did you know that it is possible to drink too much water and cause a condition called hyponatraemia (water intoxication)?

Water intoxication (hyponatraemia)

Drinking too much water can damage the body and cause hyponatraemia (water intoxication), although it is pretty rare in the general population.

Hyponatraemia occurs when sodium in the blood, which is needed for muscle contraction and sending nerve impulses, drops to a dangerously low level.

If large amounts of plain water are consumed in a short period of time, the kidneys cannot get rid of enough fluid through urine and the blood becomes diluted.

Hyponatraemia can lead to:

• headaches
• blurred vision
• cramps (and eventually convulsions)
• swelling of the brain
• coma and possibly death.

For water to reach toxic levels, many litres of water would have to be consumed in a short period of time.

Hyponatraemia tends to occur in people with particular diseases or mental illnesses (for example, in some cases of schizophrenia), endurance athletes and in infants who are fed infant formula that is too diluted.

Fluid retention

Many people believe that drinking water causes fluid retention (or oedema). In fact, the opposite is true. Drinking water helps the body rid itself of excess sodium, which results in less fluid retention.

The body will retain fluid if there is too little water in the cells. If the body receives enough water on a regular basis, there will be no need for it to hold onto water and this will reduce fluid retention.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
• The emergency department of the nearest hospital.
• Your GP (doctor).
• Dietitians AustraliaExternal Link Tel. 1800 812 942.

Types of water and their purpose

Water is one of the most common substances in nature. It is known to be a basic element of life support on our planet.

The variety of species is primarily due to its chemical and physical qualities. If you ask about water, then ask what kind of water are we talking about? About heavy or light, maybe about tritium? Then the interlocutor will understand that you know a lot about water.

Light or heavy water?

Species are classified based on a variety of factors and characteristics. In scientific terms, their classification is based on the isotopes of hydrogen in the water molecule (light, heavy, semi and superheavy water). Light water is ordinary natural water purified from heavy water. Standard drinking water for 99.7% consists of light.

Heavy water, also known as deuterium water, instead of hydrogen molecules, it contains deuterium molecules (2 heavy isotopes of hydrogen). The chemical formula of heavy water is 2H2O or D2O.

There is also superheavy water (tritium) – as in heavy water, hydrogen molecules are replaced by tritium, the chemical formula is T2O or 3h3O.

In turn, the types of water are subdivided based on the amount of salts (soft water and hard water). It is determined by the amount of alkaline earth metal salts dissolved in it, primarily magnesium and calcium. Fresh water is water with a minimum salt content, its salinity does not exceed 0.1%. Sea water is the salty water of the seas and oceans, the average salinity of which is 34.72%.

Mineral water – natural, usually underground water with a high content of biologically active minerals and trace elements, the presence of which determines their medicinal properties.

What types of water exist in the hydrosphere?

Conventionally, the types of water are divided according to the location of the liquid into the following subspecies: underground, underwater, ground, atmospheric and artesian water.

Groundwater is a liquid that occurs in the aquifers of the earth’s crust. Underwater waters (submarine) are located under the oceans, large bodies of water and seas. Artesian water lies between water-resistant layers and is under great pressure.

Groundwater is the aquifers closest to the surface of the earth. Land waters are lakes, rivers, swamps, seas, oceans and other surface natural water bodies. Atmospheric water is a liquid that accumulates in the atmospheric layers.

Let us dwell in more detail on the natural types of water. Spring water is usually the purest. Rainwater is fresh water that falls to the ground in the form of precipitation. As you know, drinking water is used for the needs of the population. Its composition and properties should not cause any harm to human health.

Water at human activities

More than 70% of our planet is covered with water. But at the same time, only 3% of all water can be attributed to drinking. Raw water can be both beneficial and harmful. On the one hand, raw water contains trace elements important for humans, stimulating metabolic processes, helping the body to perform its main functions. But raw water is also a breeding ground for pathogens: helminths, pathogens of intestinal infections, tuberculosis, plague, cholera. And the harm caused to a person by these pathogens is a weighty reason for boiling raw water.

Tap fluid is supplied to our homes through a centralized water supply system. Sewage is the liquid drained from our homes through the sewer system. Waste water is waste from various industrial enterprises. And finally, boiled water.

Boil water or not?

Boiled water is able to rid the body of toxins, and this is its main benefit. In addition, the use of boiled water by a person promotes the absorption of food, helps in removing its waste from the body.

Many people mistakenly believe that repeated boiling completely disinfects water, destroying all harmful microbes. Experts have convincingly proved that complete disinfection does not occur when boiling, the water only becomes a little softer. And repeatedly boil water and use it – it means harming the body.

Water purpose