Health Benefits of Water

Do you realize that your body is comprised of 60% water? The body needs water for life. Water is essential for our body to function and regulates temperature among other things. Because the body loses water from sweating, breathing and digestion – it’s critical for to hydrate the body through water from our diet. The amount of water that you require depends on a number of things like where you live, your health and many other factors.

Water Protects Your Body

Water is more than a mere thirst quencher. Tissues, the spinal cord and our joints are all protected by water. Without out water, our body tissues would dry out. We all know how unpleasant it feels when your eyes, nose or throat gets dray. Keeping your body hydrated helps keep ideal levels of moisture in our bodies. Water also secures your spinal cord and works as a natural lubricant for your joints.  

Water Helps Remove Body Waste

Adequate hydration is key for waste management. Water is necessary for your body to sweat, urinate or defecate. The kidneys, liver and digestive system all use it to flush out waste. Water can also help soften stool, which is important to help move waste through the intestines.

Water Helps Digestion

Digestion begins with salivation. Your saliva, which contains water, is used to break down foods. Good digestions makes minerals and nutrients more readily available to the body. Water is an important part of this process. With the help of water, fiber can be dissolved easily and aid the passing of stool.

Water Prevents Dehydration

Your body loses fluids any time you are active, sweat in the heat, catch a fever or expel waste. If you are losing fluid for any of those reasons, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you are sick, your doctor may recommend that you drink more liquids to treat your condition. If you are pregnant or nursing, you may need to drink more water than usual since your body may use more liquids than expected during breastfeeding. 

How Much Water do You Need?

There is no set requirement for water intake. People will meet their daily water intake according to their own needs. A report carried out by Researchers at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies suggests that many people aren’t adequately hydrated. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that you can get an idea of your hydration level by observing the color of your urine. For most cases the darker the color, the more dehydrated you are. 

 

Fun Facts About Water

·       The human body is made up of 50-65% water.

·       Infants are made up of up to 78% water.

·       Water accounts for 70% of your body weight.

·       Approximately 80% of your brains tissue is made up of water, which is around the same for a living tree.

·       The average person requires around 3 liters of water per day for men and 2.2 liters for women.

·       By the time you feel thirsty, your body has already lost over 1% of its water. Try to drink before you are thirsty.

·       Drinking water can help you get in shape by expanding your digestive system, which helps to burn calories faster.

·       The average person can live without food for almost a month. However we can only survive without water for one week.

·       Staying hydrated can prevent joint inflammation. Water helps to lubricate your joints, leaving less risk of inflammation due to rubbing.

·       Drinking plenty of water can reduce your risk for coronary disease. Water flushes toxins out of your body. The less toxins that reach your colon, liver, bladder and other organs – the lower your risk for adverse health conditions.

·       Hydration can promote healthy gums and teeth. Water produces saliva, which helps keep your mouth clean. This in turn prevents tooth decay. 

·       On average, a single American citizen uses approximately 100 gallons of water each day. 

Your health care provider will work with you to determine what course of action is best for you. Total Home Health can connect you with experienced health care experts who are ready to help you live a long, healthy and fulfilling life. Join today to learn jumpstart a longer, healthier life.