Water makes up 50% to 70% chemical component of the body weight.
Glass of water
The body depends on water to survive, the cells, tissue and organ in the body needs water to work effectively. Keeping hydrated is crucial for health and well-being.
For the body to function effectively, the water bank has to be replenished by consuming foods and beverages that contain water. Appropriate quantity of fluid in the body does the following;
♦It gets rid of wastes by flushing it through urination, perspiration and bowel movements.
♦ Keeps your body temperature normal
♦ Lubricates and cushions joints
♦ Protects sensitive tissues and cells
♦ It boosts skin and beauty
♦ Water maintains blood pressure
♦ It prevents kidney damage
♦ Water boosts performance performance during strenuous activity
Is water the only option for staying hydrated?
The food we eat also provides the body with a significant amount of fluid which means you don’t necessarily need to rely on water to meet your fluid needs.
Water is not the only option for staying hydrated, there are lots of fruits and vegetables, like watermelon and spinach, that contain almost 100% water by weight.
Also, beverages such as coffee, milk, juice, soda and herbal teas are made up of water and contribute to our daily consumption of water. For men, consuming around 3.7liters or 125 ounces of water/fluid is appropriate while women around 2.7 liters or 91 ounces of water/fluid is appropriate. This means 15.5 cups for men and just over 11 cups for women.
Note: Consumption of these beverages should be done in moderation to prevent creating un-useful calories. Moderation is key!
Insufficient intake of water can lead to dehydration- this is a condition that occurs when you don’t have sufficient water in your body to perform normal functions. More so, mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you feel tired at every little activity.
