Have you heard of the saying that water is the source of life? We drink water every day, but have you wondered why it's so important?
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In this article, you are going to learn some facts about water, its functions, and the diseases caused by dehydration (lack of water). Continue to read if you are interested!
Water is a colorless, transparent, and odorless liquid that is considered an essential nutrient for survival because it makes up roughly 60% of the human body. As a matter of fact, a person can survive for about three weeks without any food, but can only live for three days without water.
To be more specific, here are some of the important functions of water:
The basic part of the blood. Plasma, the liquid component of blood, contains water, sugar, fat, protein, and salts. It is responsible for transporting red blood cells with nutrients and waste products throughout the body. Because around 90% of plasma is water, this process of transportation depends on it.
Body temperature regulation. In response to high external temperatures, humans sweat in order to prevent overheating and maintain a stable temperature.
Tissues, spinal cord, and joints protection. Water plays an important role in keeping our body tissues such as the eyes, nose, and mouth moist. In addition, water helps protect the spinal cord while also functioning as a cushion for our joints.
Waste removal. The kidneys, liver, as well as the intestines use water to enable perspiration, urination, and defecation to remove waste products. Water also helps move the food through our intestinal tract and prevent constipation and intestinal problems.
We lose ten 8-ounce glasses of water per day due to perspiration, urination, bowel movements, and exhalation. Since water plays such an irreplaceable role in our daily lives, it is extremely important for us to get enough water every day.
We’ve learned about the importance of water for our bodies, but what would happen if we don’t drink enough water?
A lack of water would lead to dehydration and causes many problems.
One common disease caused by a lack of water is called kidney stones. Kidneys normally filter the blood to remove waste products in the form of urine. However, dehydration prevents waste products from being removed regularly and they end up building up in the body and harming the kidneys.
Other diseases caused by dehydration such as bladder and colon cancer have much more severe consequences. If you wang to live a healthy life, staying hydrated is definitely one of the most important things you can do. Drinking enough water and making sure you get enough fruit and vegetable intake every day are some ways to prevent yourself from being dehydrated and experience the pain of some diseases.
Water, the source of life. To be healthy and happy, let’s start by getting enough water every day!
Written by: Benetta Wang
References:
Laskey, Jen. “Functions of Water: Health Benefits | Everyday Health.” EverydayHealth.Com, 16 Feb. 2015, www.everydayhealth.com/water-health/water-body-health.aspx#:%7E:text=Water%20Protects%20Your%20Tissues%2C%20Spinal%20Cord%2C%20and%20Joints.,also%20keeps%20the%20tissues%20in%20your%20body%20moist.
“Can Dehydration Affect Your Kidneys?” National Kidney Foundation, 16 Apr. 2018, www.kidney.org/newsletter/can-dehydration-affect-your-kidneys.
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