Water! Not Only Refreshing But A Source of Life

Effects of water to the humans

Effects of water to humans

Kidneys

An organ that plays a vital role in managing balance in our life is our kidneys. Some primary functions of the kidney are to regulate the water intake to our bodies, control the blood pressure and

excretion of ‘dump’ from our bodies. Through the kidneys, the regulation of water intake supports in controlling the blood pressure. High blood pressure is one factor that will lead to the incidence of heart attack and stroke.

Brain

75% of the brain composes of water. The brain needs water to manufacture hormones and neurotransmitters. The hormones in our bodies will help regulate the osmosis. In addition, the water in the brain acts as a shock absorber for the brain and the spinal cord.

Muscles and Bones

Water accounts for 22% of bones and makes up 75% of muscles. This is especially important during training of athletes or while doing activities which makes one sweat a lot. The body loses fluids through perspiration and athletes loses their bodyweight as much as 6 to 10% via this process. Not only it will affect the bodyweight, it can also increase the tendency of tired, decreases the thermoregulation and demotivates the athlete.

Cognitive Function and Mood

Water also affects a person’s mood and ability to digest information. Dehydration can cause a decline in cognitive function and disturbances in the mood. A group of researchers in 2010 found in their study that there is a correlation to memory performance enhancement with correct intake of fluids. On a personal experience, it helps me to regulate my mood for the day and more receptive to information that is important for the day.

Regulation of body temperature

The water inside your body helps to regulate the body temperature through respiration and sweating. When a person sweats, they lose water between 0.3 litres/hour (l/h) in a fluctuating condition and lose 2 l/h in extreme activities. It is in this condition when an individual needs more water up to 2.5 l/h to 3 l/h or at times up to 6 l/h in a hot condition coupled with the extreme activity. It is important to note the amount of water needed for the body depends on the needs and response to any individual may vary.

Ways to keep hydrated and checks on hydration levels

In order to keep the body healthy, every human needs 55 gallons of water daily to clean themselves, cook and drink. A study from Sawka (2005) shows that the recommended water intake for an adult male is about 3.7 litres per day and for an adult female is about 2.7 litres per day. This is the total amount of water that is drunk and water from food that we eat.

It is also recommended that we drink lots of water. Not sweeten drinks like any carbonated drinks popular in the market. As for electrolyte drinks, my recommendation would be depending on your activity levels prior to the drink. One of my nutrition guru was asked on the consumption of fruit juices. She mentioned that the juice is fine but the fruit is better.

Lastly, many doctors and older generation had dispensed the notion of drinking warm water in the morning and before sleep. I suggest that we follow this advice.

The control of water intake bears importance. It is therefore important to build a healthy body and have positive effects on the physical and mental well-being of a person. Happy drinking!!