The role of water in our bodies is far more complex than simply drinking water to quench thirst. Water plays a vital role in many important biological processes in the body. While it is possible to survive for weeks without food, without water the human body can only survive a few days.
Little-known facts about water and the human body
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- Water makes up about 60% of the body weight of the average adult male
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- The water content of the male body is higher than that of the female body, and both content ratios fall as the human body ages
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- The body cannot store water and humans need to consume fresh supplies every day to ensure that important metabolic processes can be performed
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- Water forms the basis of blood, urine, sweat and digestive juices and is also contained in bones, fat and lean muscle
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- Around 20% of the body’s water requirements are met by food intake, while another 10% is a by-product of food digestion. This means about 70% of the body’s water requirements must be met with the intake of fluids.
Ten functions of water in the body
- Regulates body temperature
- Protects organs
- Lubricates the joints
- Removes wastes such as carbon dioxide from the body
- Moistens the mucous membranes
- Helps to transport oxygen to the body’s cells
- Aids digestion
- Helps nutrients to travel to tissues and organs
- Moisturises the skin and maintains its appearance and texture
- Maintains health of body cells.
How much is enough?
Infants and young children need about 1 litre of fluids per day, while tweens and teenagers need between about 1.5 and 2 litres of liquids per day. Women and men need around 2 and 2.5 litres respectively, of fluids per day.
Thirst, headaches, lower back pain, tiredness, sore muscles and joints, and mood changes are all signs of possible dehydration.
Sources
nutrition.about.com
Tortora, Gerard J. Introduction to the Human Body – The Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology. Biological Sciences Textbooks Inc. 1997 www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
www.livestrong.com