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 capacity to dissolve nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins and sugars that we ingest in the diet in order to transport them to the organs through the bloodstream. In the body, these nutrients are dissolved in the blood plasma, which is 90% water, allowing them to be transported from the digestive tract to the body tissues. Thanks to the constant flow of these nutrients dissolved in water, cells can obtain the elements they need to develop, grow and repair themselves. Water not only transports nutrients to the cells, but also creates an environment that allows the cells to absorb and utilize those nutrients.
Elimination of toxins from organs
Through the use of water, 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 not enough water is consumed, toxins accumulate and cause health problems such as kidney stones or urinary tract infections. Similarly, the liver requires water for the elimination of substances potentially harmful to the body through bile. Without sufficient 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.
Without sufficient water intake, the brain cannot maintain the balance of electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium and calcium) required by neurons in the process of transmitting electrical impulses. Dehydration results in the electrical signals that enable communication between neurons to be slowed or blocked, leading to problems with memory, concentration and coordination. Neurons are sensitive to changes in water, so when the brain is dehydrated, cognitive and emotional abilities are affected.
Body temperature regulation.
Water is used to generate sweat by which the body regulates body temperature. Sweat is composed mainly of water, salts and other substances that are released when the body temperature rises. Sweat evaporates from the skin surface and absorbs heat from the body. After water loss through sweating, rehydration is necessary to restore fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Drinking sufficient water helps to replenish lost fluids, restore blood volume and continue the regulation of body temperature. Water intake also has benefits in other systems of temperature regulation such as blood vessel dilation and homeostasis at the cellular level.
Dehydration: Causes and effects
Dehydration is the result of the loss and low consumption of water to the point that it begins to have negative effects on the functioning of the organism. Among the main causes of dehydration we find:
- 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.
