What is the importance of water for the body?
The body requires the use of water as it is an essential component that constitutes about 60% of body weight in adults. This percentage varies according to factors such as age, sex and body composition. Various organs contain significant amounts of water: the brain and heart contain 73% water, the lungs around 83%, the skin 64%, while the muscles and kidneys contain approximately 79%. Even bones, which are often perceived as dry, contain 31% water (Mitchell et al., 1945).
What is water used for in the human body?
Water (H₂O) is a molecule that performs several vital functions in the body due to its chemical peculiarities. At the molecular level it allows interaction with other elements, which facilitates chemical reactions in the organism. This molecule is the main solvent of body fluids and actively participates in a number of biochemical and physiological processes necessary for the maintenance and functioning of life.
Functions and benefits of drinking water.
Transport of nutrients into cells.
Water has the ability to dissolve the nutrients we consume, such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and sugars, allowing them to be transported to organs through the bloodstream. In the body, these nutrients are dissolved in blood plasma, which is 90% water, enabling their transport from the digestive tract to body tissues.
Thanks to the constant flow of these water-dissolved nutrients, cells obtain the elements they need to develop, grow, and repair.
Water not only transports nutrients to cells, it also creates an environment that allows cells to absorb and use those nutrients.
Elimination of toxins from organs
Through water intake, the kidneys act as filters that dilute and excrete waste substances through urine, such as urea, uric acid, and other toxic compounds resulting from cellular metabolism. If insufficient water is consumed, toxins accumulate and health problems such as kidney stones or urinary tract infections can develop.
Likewise, the liver requires water to eliminate potentially harmful substances through bile. Without adequate water, liver processes are affected, since the liver needs an aqueous medium to transform toxins into soluble forms that can be excreted.
Proper functioning of the brain and nervous system.
If adequate water is not consumed, the brain cannot maintain the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium that neurons require to transmit electrical impulses. Dehydration causes the electrical signals that allow communication between neurons to slow down or become blocked, leading to problems with memory, concentration, and coordination.
Neurons are sensitive to changes in water levels. When the brain is dehydrated, cognitive and emotional capacities are affected.
Body temperature regulation.
Water enables the production of sweat, which allows the body to regulate temperature. Sweat is mainly composed of water, salts, and other substances released when body temperature rises. As sweat evaporates from the skin’s surface, it absorbs heat from the body.
After water loss through sweating, rehydration is necessary to restore fluid and electrolyte balance. Drinking enough water helps replenish lost fluids, restore blood volume, and maintain temperature regulation.
Water intake also supports other temperature regulation mechanisms, including blood vessel dilation and cellular-level homeostasis.
Dehydration: Causes and effects
Dehydration is the result of fluid loss and insufficient water intake to the point where it begins to have negative effects on the body’s functioning.
Among the main causes of dehydration are:
- Not drinking enough water during the day.
- Water loss due to sweating and extreme heat.
- Illnesses such as fever, diarrhea and vomiting.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes or diuretic treatments.
Effects of dehydration.
Although the effects of a lack of water in the organism vary, moderate dehydration can affect some functions such as:
- Decreased physical performance such as fatigue, reduced muscle strength and reduced resistance to exertion.
- It can cause confusion and irritability as the brain is affected.
- Renal complications and urinary tract infections due to the accumulation of toxins such as urea and uric acid that are excreted in the urine.
