We all need water to survive, but how exactly does it help?
Did you know that your body weight is approximately 60 percent water? Your body uses water in all its cells,
organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Because your body
loses water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, it’s important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and
eating foods that contain water. The amount of water you need depends on a variety of factors, including the
climate you live in, how physically active you are, and whether you’re experiencing an illness or have any other
health problems.
Water Protects Your Tissues, Spinal Cord, and Joints
Water does more than just quench your thirst and regulate your body’s temperature; it also keeps the tissues
in your body moist. You know how it feels when your eyes, nose, or mouth gets dry? Keeping your body
hydrated helps it retain optimum levels of moisture.
Water Helps Your Body Remove Waste
Adequate water intake enables your body to excrete waste through perspiration, urination, and defecation. The
kidneys and liver use it to help flush out waste, as do your intestines. Water can also keep you from getting
constipated by softening your stools and helping move the food you’ve eaten through your intestinal tract.
Water Aids in Digestion
Digestion starts with saliva, the basis of which is water. Digestion relies on enzymes that are found in saliva to help break down food and liquid and to dissolve minerals and other nutrients. Proper digestion makes minerals
and nutrients more accessible to the body. Water is also necessary to help you digest soluble fiber. With the
help of water, this fiber dissolves easily and benefits your bowel health by making well-formed, soft stools that
are easy to pass.
Water Prevents You From Becoming Dehydrated
Your body loses fluids when you engage in vigorous exercise, sweat in high heat, or come down with a
fever or contract an illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea. If you’re losing fluids for any of these reasons,
it’s important to increase your fluid intake so that you can restore your body’s natural hydration levels.
How Much Water Do You Need?
There’s no hard and fast rule, and many individuals meet their daily hydration needs by simply drinking
water when they’re thirsty. If you’re not sure about your hydration level, look at your urine. If it’s clear,
you’re in good shape. If it’s dark, you’re probably dehydrated.
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