12 Things Water Does to Your Body
Water makes up about 60% of the human body and plays many critical roles. Staying well hydrated is vital for health and life. Here are 12 key things water does in the body and why adequate water intake is so important.
1. Transports Nutrients
Water is essential for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste throughout the body. It acts like a highway, allowing oxygen, sugars, salts, vitamins, minerals, and more to reach tissues and organs. Without water, these nutrients cannot properly get to where they need to go.
2. Moistens Tissues
Water provides moisture and lubrication to tissues in the mouth, eyes, nose, and all other mucous membranes. This prevents dryness and damage to these sensitive tissue surfaces.
3. Maintains Blood Volume
Blood is over 90% water. Water helps maintain blood volume and viscosity at the right levels so blood can flow properly through blood vessels. Dehydration causes blood to thicken, forcing the heart to work harder.
4. Eliminates Waste
Water is the main component of urine, sweat, and stool. It helps the kidneys filter waste and excrete it from the body through urination. Water also eliminates waste through perspiration and bowel movements.
5. Aids Digestion
Water is essential for healthy digestion. It provides the fluid needed for digestion and absorption of foods. Water also softens stool and prevents constipation. Inadequate water intake can lead to digestive problems.
6. Regulates Body Temperature
Evaporative cooling from sweat and respiration helps lower body temperature. When we perspire, the evaporation of sweat from the skin helps cool the body. Water's high specific heat also moderates body temperature fluctuations.
7. Cushions Joints
The synovial fluid in joints acts as a shock absorber and lubricant, allowing smooth movement. Water makes up a large proportion of this fluid, keeping joints well-cushioned and flexible.
8. Protects Sensitive Tissues
Water provides cushioning around vital organs and sensitive tissues in the body. It acts as padding for the brain and spinal cord. Water also protects the unborn baby in the mother's womb.
9. Detoxifies the Body
Water helps dilute and eliminate toxins from the body through urine, sweat, and stool. Adequate water intake enhances detoxification processes in the liver and kidneys, flushing out harmful substances.
10. Improves Energy Levels
Being well-hydrated prevents fatigue and lethargy. Proper water levels energize muscles and cells. Dehydration degrades performance and leaves you feeling tired. Water is one of the most effective instant energy boosters available.
11. Keeps Skin Looking Healthy
Water provides moisture and elasticity to the skin, helping maintain skin's youthful appearance. Dry skin is often a sign of insufficient water intake. Drinking adequate water keeps skin looking soft, smooth, and supple.
12. Contributes to Healthy Weight
Water is calorie-free and helps fill you up. This can assist with managing a healthy weight. Substituting water for sugary drinks also helps reduce calorie intake. Drinking a glass of water before meals can aid in portion control as well.
Staying Well Hydrated
Drinking enough water is vital for allowing the body to perform all of these critical functions. Signs of dehydration include fatigue, headache, dizziness, and dark urine. Aim for the recommended intake of around 2 liters or 8 glasses of fluid per day. Water is the healthiest hydration choice, but juices, milk, herbal teas, and other drinks can contribute to your daily fluid needs as well.
Water also plays many roles outside of the body. It helps grow food, generate power, manufacture goods, and sustains all life on Earth. H2O truly is an essential compound!
FAQs
Why is water essential for the body?
Water is vital because it transports nutrients and gases, eliminates waste, regulates temperature, cushions joints, protects tissues and organs, and performs many other critical roles.
What are signs of not drinking enough water?
Signs of dehydration include fatigue, headache, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, dark urine, and feeling very thirsty. Dry skin and eyes may also indicate inadequate hydration.
How much water should you drink daily?
Health experts recommend drinking around 2 liters or 8 glasses of fluid per day for adequate hydration. Some of this can come from other beverages besides plain water.
Does water help with weight loss?
Water can aid weight loss because it fills you up without any calories. Substituting water for high-calorie drinks can significantly reduce calorie intake as well.
What is water's most important role in the body?
One of water's most vital roles is transporting oxygen, nutrients, and other essential substances to all the body's tissues and cells. Without adequate water intake, these cannot properly reach their destinations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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