What Are the Benefits of 8 Glasses of Water?

What Are the Benefits of 8 Glasses of Water?
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Every living organism needs clean and safe drinking water in order to live and survive. Water is the principal chemical component for humans, and it makes up 60 percent of your entire body weight. An individual's water consumption depends on different factors, such as the individual's weight and daily activities, but there are several benefits of drinking eight glasses of water daily.

Flushes Toxins

According to Mayo Clinic.com, drinking eight glasses of water flushes toxins out of the vital organs of your body. The kidneys, which function as your body's filtering system, need water to perform adequately. The kidneys remove waste products such as urea, uric acid and lactic acid. These compounds are all soluble in water, without which these waste products cannot be removed properly. Waste products and toxins are eliminated through urine, feces and sweat. Water helps draw wastes and toxins for elimination. Urination removes filtered waste products and excess water from the bloodstream. Perspiration helps unclog oils, debris and dirt particles from the skin's pores and surface.

Moisture and Hydration

Drinking eight glasses of water keeps the body adequately hydrated, notes FamilyDoctor.org, adding that people who do not receive any food or fluid will eventually go into coma or die within one to three weeks. The body's water requirements change frequently depending on the health condition and level of physical activity. Hydration enables proper temperature regulation within the body and provides the bone joints with lubrication. Adequate hydration also prevents the effects of excessive and rapid water loss due to conditions like fever, vomiting and diarrhea. When your body becomes dehydrated, energy is depleted and normal bodily processes are affected.

Transportation of Nutrients

The breakdown of nutrients from dietary sources occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. Drinking eight glasses of water on a daily basis helps carry nutrients to the cells of the body, explains MayoClinic.com. The blood subsequently transports the nutrients to the different areas of the body. The intracellular space of blood cells, which transports oxygen and important nutrients, is made up of water. Approximately 2.2 to 3 liters of water per day is recommended for adult individuals.

References

Article reviewed by Christine Brncik Last updated on: Dec 26, 2010

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