IMPORTANCE OF WATER

 Water is practically everywhere,

from soil moisture and ice sheets,

into the cells inside our own body.

Depending on factors such as location,

fat index,

age,

and sex

the average person contains 55-60% water.

At birth, human babies are even wetter.

Since they contain 75% water, they are similar to fish swimming.

But their water composition drops to 65% by their first birthday.

So what role does water play in our body,

and how much do we actually need to drink to stay healthy?

H20 in our body cushion and lubricate the joints,

regulate temperature,

and nourish the brain and spinal cord.

Water is not only in our blood.

An adult's brain and heart are almost three-quarters water.

This is roughly the equivalent amount of moisture in a banana.

The lungs are 83% similar to an apple.

And even seemingly dry human bones are 31% water.

If we are essentially made of water

and surrounded by water,

why do we still need to drink so much?

We lose two to three liters of sweat every day,

power,

bowel movements,

and even just from breathing.

Although these functions are necessary for survival, we must compensate for fluid loss.

Maintaining balanced water levels is essential to prevent dehydration

or excessive hydration,

both can have devastating effects on overall health.

When the water level is low for the first time,

sensory receptors in the hypothalamus of the brain

signals the release of antidiuretic hormone.

When it reaches the kidneys, it creates aquaporins,

special channels that allow the blood to absorb and retain more water,

resulting in concentrated dark urine.

Increased dehydration can cause a significant drop in energy,

mood,

skin moisture

and blood pressure,

as well as signs of cognitive impairment.

A dehydrated brain works harder to achieve the same amount

as a normal brain

and even shrinks temporarily due to a lack of water.

Overhydration or hyponatremia,

it is usually caused by excessive water consumption in a short time.

Athletes are often victims of overhydration

due to complications in regulating the water level

in extreme physical conditions.

While the dehydrated brain increases the production of antidiuretic hormone,

an over-hydrated brain slows or even stops and releases it into the blood.

The sodium electrolytes in the body become diluted,

causing cells to swell.

In severe cases,

the kidneys cannot keep up with the resulting volumes of diluted urine.

Then there is water intoxication,

which may cause headache,

vomiting, and in rare cases, seizures or death.

But that's a pretty extreme situation.

Typically, day-to-day,

maintaining a well-hydrated system is easy

for those of us lucky enough to have access to clean drinking water.

For a long time, conventional wisdom said we should drink eight glasses a day.

This estimate has since been fine-tuned.

There is now a consensus on how much water we need to absorb

depends largely on our weight and environment.

The recommended daily intake is between 2.5-3.7 liters of water for men,

and about 2-2.7 liters for women,

a range that is shifted up or down if we are healthy,

active,

old,

or overheating.

While water is the healthiest hydrator,

other drinks,

even those with caffeine, such as coffee or tea,

also, add fluids.

And the water in food makes up about a fifth of our daily H20 intake.

Fruits and vegetables like strawberries,

cucumbers,

and even broccoli contain more than 90% water

and can supplement fluid intake while providing valuable nutrients and fiber.

Drinking well can also have various long-term benefits.

Studies have shown that optimal hydration can reduce the risk of stroke,

help manage diabetes,

and potentially reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

Regardless, getting the right amount of fluid makes a huge difference

how will you feel

think,

and function every day.