The average person’s
body is composed of approximately 70% water.
The body's water supply is responsible for and involved in nearly every
biological process. Human beings can
survive without food for thirty to forty days, but without water, we would not
be able to live beyond three to five days!
Below are some interesting facts about the role of
water in the human body and the health benefits of adequate water intake.
1.
Regulation
of body functions. Water
is essential for respiration, digestion, nutrient absorption, and elimination
of waste products and toxins from the body.
Water is also responsible for healthy circulation, and controlling body
temperature through perspiration.
2.
Signs of dehydration. If not enough water is consumed,
toxins can build up in the body resulting in many negative side effects. The consequences of inadequate water intake/dehydration
may include: muscle and joint pain,
cramping, headaches, fatigue, digestive problems, inflammation, and poor
functioning of many organs.
3.
Helpful
for weight loss. Water is a
great fluid replacement for high calorie drinks such as alcohol and
sodas/carbonated drinks. Drinking water
before meals can also help kick start metabolism and act as an appetite
suppressant.
4.
Support
for the Musculoskeletal (MSK) system. Water brings
vital nutrients to muscle tissue to support performance and decrease the risks
of cramps and strains. Water also helps
to protect our joints by providing lubrication and cushioning.
5.
Better
productivity at work. Your
brain consists of 90% water. Therefore,
proper hydration helps you think better, be more alert and focused, and feel
more energized.
6.
Look
younger with healthier skin. Your
skin is the largest organ in the body.
Water helps to replenish skin tissues by improving circulation to skin
cells, maintaining elasticity, and moisturizing from the inside out.
7.
Feel
healthier. Consuming plenty of water can help maintain
proper immune functioning, and can prevent or improve symptoms of the common
cold, flu, arthritis, kidney stones, constipation, and many other conditions.
How much water is
enough? This is not an easy question to
answer and can be dependent on many factors.
A general rule of thumb to follow is to consume 0.5-1 litre of water daily for
every 50 pounds
of body weight. Special consideration
for greater water consumption must be taken into account for those who are
engaged in vigorous activity or exercise, and during the warmer months when more
water is lost through perspiration.
Additional considerations must be taken into account for those who
consume caffeine, alcoholic beverages, and certain medications, as these
substances can act as diuretics and actually drain your body of water.
Looking at the color
of your urine is an easy way to determine whether or not you are consuming
enough water. As long as you are not
taking riboflavin (vitamin B2), which fluoresces and turns your urine bright
yellow (it is also in most multi-vitamins), then your urine should be a very
light-coloured yellow. If it is a deep
yellow then you are likely not drinking enough water.
Proper hydration is
key for optimal functioning. For additional information on improving your health, visit
our website at www.nhwc.ca.
This article is a
basic summary for educational purposes only.
It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for
consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.
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