The Importance of Water in the Human Body

770 Words2 Pages

Water is an essential nutrient that our body requires every day. Without water human life cannot be sustained. Water deprivation kills faster than lack of any other nutrient. People do not think of water as a nutrient and don’t realize the important role of water in the body functions. Water facilitates the transportation system of the body. It is the medium by which all the other nutrients and other essential elements are distributed to every part of the body. Water also transports the waste from the body. The body looses water all day long. Water is lost through evaporation of sweat which keeps the body cool. Body also looses water in the form of sweat during exercise and vigorous physical activity. It is also lost as urine which accounts for three quarters of the body water loss. Infrequent urination or dark yellow urine indicates dehydration and means that we should consume more water. Water comes from a variety of sources. All beverages, juices and fluids we consume are sources of water for our body. Even solid food contains water. Vegetables such as cucumber, lettuce and celery may have up to 90% water. Protein rich food such as meat and fish could contain two-thirds to one half of their weight of water. Even carbohydrates like grains, although do not appear to be watery could contain water as much as one third of their weight. Fats such as butter or margarine contain very little water. Some water may come from within our body because of energy metabolism but the amount is insignificant. Although juices, milk and beverages increase fluid intake but plain water is the best source. Most beverages contain some sugar, natural or added, this will have an effect on our body weight. But plain water does not contain anything t... ... middle of paper ... ...rink water throughout the day at regular intervals. If we consume too much water just before going to bed, it may interfere with the sleep. Feeling of tiredness and migraine, even without other symptoms, may indicate dehydration. It would help to sip one or two glasses of water. If this feeling does not go off then it will be due to some other reasons and may require medical assistance. When standing up suddenly from a sitting position we may feel dizzy. This is due to blood rushing to the legs and reducing the supply of the blood to the brain, resulting in a sudden drop in blood pressure amounting to at least 20 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mm Hg. This may be a condition known as orthostatic hypotension (postural hypotension or orthostasis). This will be more prevalent among those having diabetes. Drinking one or two glasses of water will help.

Open Document