The average human body is about 60 percent water, and you lose water every day through perspiration, breathing and urination. It is important to replenish water stores daily so the body can function properly. Athletes and others who perspire constantly need to be more vigilant in replenishing their water stores throughout the day. Drinking water or other fluids is the main way to replenish the body's water stores.
Digestion
Water is needed to facilitate the digestive process. In the mouth, food mixes with saliva to start the breakdown process. Water is the main component of saliva, and added water can help moisten food in the mouth and ease transition of food through the esophagus. Once food enters the stomach, digestive enzymes break down and mix with food. Next, absorption of nutrients occurs in the small intestine, and water is needed to transport water-soluble molecules from the small intestine to various parts of the body.
Mental Functioning
Mild dehydration might have a negative impact on mental tasks such as alertness, decision making, reaction time and the ability to concentrate, according to a 2003 study in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Elderly people are more susceptible to impaired thirst mechanism, and proper hydration is important for full mental capacity in this vulnerable population.
Toxin Elimination
Water plays a dynamic role in kidney function and health. The kidneys work to eliminate waste products and filter the blood. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the kidneys process around 200 quarts of blood per day and eliminate around 2 quarts of waste products and water. Replenishing this water every day is important to maintain proper blood levels and proper kidney efficiency to eliminate waste products. Individuals with end-stage kidney disease or certain cardiac or respiratory conditions might need to limit water intake.
Exercise
Water is very important for optimal athletic performance. A minimal dehydration level of only 2 percent has been shown to negatively impair athletic performance, according to a 2003 study in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Those starting exercise in a dehydrated state will not be able to perform at full capacity. Make sure water intake is adequate before exercising, and replenish fluid intake during and after exercise for optimal performance.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Your Digestive System and How It Works
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; R.J. Maughan; "Impact of Mild Dehydration on Wellness and on Exercise Performance"; 2003
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: The Kidneys and How They Work
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