The Important Roles that Water plays in the Human Body.
Water is life. It is a necessity to every living thing, and to man, the basis of well being and life. Water constitutes about 60 percent of our bodies and so nearly all the processes in the body cannot run effectively without it. Water is known to cool us down when we are hot, and it carries nutrients, and it helps to protect our organs, there are lots of roles that water performs, which we tend to overlook most of the time. Without water, life cannot exist at all.
We shall discuss the special uses of water in the human body, in this article, and find out the reason why it matters and how it aids us day by day.
1. Temperature Regulation
Temperature is one of the greatest functions of water in the body. To operate, the body must maintain a temperature of about 37degC (98.6degF). Water cools us when we are overheated by sweating. Sweat comprises mainly of water and as it evaporates through the skin, it cools the body. This is the reason being hydrated is so essential particularly on hot days or during physical activities.
Without sufficient water in the body, heat control becomes more difficult, potentially resulting in dehydration, heat fatigue or even heatstroke. Conserving water by consuming plenty of it ensures that the body maintains normal temperatures at any given time.
2. Nutrient and Oxygen Transport.
Water is the highway system of the body. It aids in the transportation of nutrients, oxygen and hormones to all the cells by the blood. The blood would not run as easily without water and the cells would not get the fuel they need.
An example is that when you drink water, it dissolves vitamins and minerals in food. The nutrients are then carried by the water in the blood to the areas in the body where they are most required. The water in our blood also helps oxygen reach each and every cell in our body to provide us with the energy to live and move.
3. Waste Removal
Water, just like water carries away the nutrients, it carries away the waste. The kidneys, liver and intestines all require water to eliminate bad substances in the body. Urine is mostly water that carries out toxins and wastes products that are no longer required in the body.
A smaller amount of waste is also removed through sweat, but without enough water, bowel movement would not be soft and easy to pass. The absence of sufficient amount of water causes the accumulation of waste in the body that may result in kidney as well as constipation or other health complications. Taking water everyday is similar to cleaning the body.
4. Joint Lubrication
The other significant water use is the role of lubrication. Knees and elbows, (and other joints) should be cushioned so that the bones do not rub against each other. The fluid that maintains smooth movement of these joints contains water.
Joints are comfortable and loose when you are well hydrated. However, it can cause joints to stiffen when you are not hydrating enough, and this can eventually lead to pain or injury. Athletes especially require adequate amounts of water to cushion their joints during exercises.
5. Organs and Tissues Protection.
Water is also a protector. It assists in the protection of delicate organs and tissues. To give one example, the brain and the spinal cord are enclosed by fluids composed of water that are primarily protective against shocks or injuries. The eyes also require water to remain moist and healthy.
In the absence of adequate hydration, these defence mechanisms become weak. The eyes get dry, skin cracks, and organs do not work that well. By merely drinking water every day, the natural defence mechanism of the body is fortified.
6. Digestion and Intestinal Absorption.
All the food that we consume is processed by our body with the help of water. Water helps in the production of saliva that initiates a breakdown of food in the mouth. After food is absorbed into the stomach, water dissolves food and the intestines can absorb it into the bloodstream.
Water also helps in avoiding constipation since stools will be soft and easy to pass. Lack of sufficient hydration slows down the digestive system causing discomfort and health complications. This is the reason why doctors usually advise people to drink a glass of water before eating and consuming high water content food such as fruits and vegetables.
7. Support for Every Cell in the Body
Water is required to keep every single cell in the human organism alive. Cells require water in order to perform chemical reactions, generate energy and keep their shape. The cells will not be able to perform their functions adequately without sufficient water.
Staying hydrated helps our cells to remain healthy and active, which contributes to brain activity and muscle strength, among other things. This explains why fatigue, headaches, and lack of concentration is the most common symptom of dehydration.
8. Moistening Tissues
Water is also used in maintaining moisture on fragile tissues in the body. This involves the tissues of the eyes, nose and mouth. Wet tissues keep us cool, dry, and infection-free. To illustrate, tears consist of water mostly, and they protect the eyes and keep them clean. Saliva is also predominantly water which protects the mouth against bacteria. These tissues parch because of lack of enough water in which you fail to drink food, and you end up being easily illness or uncomfortable. To remain hydrated is to keep these protective tissues healthy.
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It is not only a drink, but water is also the lifeline of the human body. Water is involved in all aspects of our wellbeing, whether it is in temperature regulation, the transportation of nutrients or even the digestion of our food. It helps all the cells, maintains moisture of the tissues and provides a safe elimination of waste by the body.
The body cannot live without the water. This is why one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to keep yourself healthy is drinking enough water on a daily basis.
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