Next to oxygen, water is necessary for survival. It covers 70 percent of the earth's surface. It is crucial for the survival of humans, animals and plant life. The human body is 60 percent water. The human brain is 70 percent water, the lungs nearly 90 percent. Muscle is 75 percent water, and blood is 83 percent water. Water is essential for every bodily function, skin and hair health, removing toxins and preventing dehydration. Without it a human would only survive a week, three weeks less than he would survive without food.
Function
Water maintains blood circulation and carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells. It regulates body temperature. It moves hormones, oxygen, antibodies and nutrients through the lymphatic system and bloodstream. It aids in the absorption of protein and enzymes. Water aids digestion by maintaining the balance of stomach acids and enzymes that break down solid foods for passage into the intestine. Heartburn and constipation can result if not enough water is available. Drinking plenty of water will alleviate these conditions and keep digestion going smoothly. Water also protects the gastrointestinal lining. It helps the kidneys remove toxins and promotes clear, glowing skin.
Joint Health
Water protects the joints by keeping the cartilage located between the joints hydrated. The cartilage protects joint movement. Dehydration of the cartilage can results in arthritis of the joint. Water also protects your spinal cord from damage and shock.
Weight Loss
Water helps the body burn fat, boosting the metabolism, and maintain muscle tone. It is also essential to liver health. It helps your liver metabolize fat more efficiently. Not consuming enough forces the liver to work harder as it assumes the function of the kidneys. When this happens the liver cannot efficiently metabolize fat.
Hydration
Not getting enough water forces the body to work twice as hard to circulate the water that is available. Dehydration can severely impact your body's physiological functions. Your body retains water when it is isn't replaced. Thirst is not a good indicator of when the body needs water. You can be dehydrated and not know it until you start feeling dizzy or disoriented and confused, which are symptoms of dehydration.
Are You Getting Enough?
Our bodies loses two to three liters of water a day through respiration, urination, elimination and perspiration, so it is important to replenish that amount every day. Drinking half your body weight in water is recommended, more if you exercise regularly. Ice water is refreshing, but water is better absorbed when it's lukewarm. Your urine color is a good indicator of how much you need. Dark-colored urine is a sign you're not drinking enough.
Member Comments