Each of us must have heard the phrase that the human body is more composed of water. Have you ever wondered why this is so? Why do we need such a large amount of fluid and in general, what function does water in the body perform?
The properties
Water has the following properties:
- First of all, it is a good solvent (both for nutrients and toxic);
- fluidity;
- has high heat capacity and thermal conductivity;
- may evaporate;
- able to hydrolyze other substances (i.e., substances decompose under its action or are broken down in it).
Thanks to these basic properties, water performs a number of vital functions in the body of every living creature. Let's consider them in more detail.
The functions of water in the body
The human body is on average 75% water. This ratio with age, unfortunately, changes in the direction of decrease.
Water, being the main component of all body fluids, in particular blood, in which more than 90% contains it, performs the following main functions:
- body temperature regulation;
- removal of toxins, toxins and waste products ;
- transport of nutrients and oxygen;
- assimilation and digestion of food;
- transport function;
- shock absorption of joints and prevention of their friction;
- maintaining cell structures;
- protection of tissues and internal organs;
- improved metabolism.
The functions of water in the processes of thermoregulation are to ensure a constant body temperature at the cellular level by evaporation and sweating. Due to its ability to transfer a sufficiently large amount of heat, moisture, circulating in the human body, takes it where it is in excess, and adds it to where it is not enough.
The shock-absorbing functions of water in the body are provided due to its high content in synovial joint fluids. This prevents friction of the articular surfaces during exertion and joint work, and is also a specific protective buffer for possible falls and injuries.
Water performs the function of transporting the necessary compounds due to its large surface tension. Thus, it can penetrate everywhere, even into intercellular spaces, delivering the necessary nutrients to organs and tissues and removing the products of their vital functions.
The generally accepted fact is that the mental performance of a person directly depends on the amount of fluid consumed . Dehydration threatens not only a loss of strength, energy, the appearance of headaches and dizziness, but also a decrease in working capacity, memory and the possibility of concentration on the necessary information.
Also, given that with age, the amount of water as a component of the body decreases, scientists suggest a certain relationship between the amount of fluid and the aging process. Therefore, people of the older age group need to be especially careful about their water intake.
In recent years, the functions of water have been increasingly observed in the prevention of many diseases, including cancer. It is believed that the more fluid we consume, the more it is excreted, and with it pathogens, their metabolic products, toxins and carcinogens, which could potentially be a springboard for the development of cancer.
Thus, all the functions of water are important for the normal functioning of all organs and systems and for a comfortable and healthy lifestyle.
Interesting but fact
The less water comes in from the outside, the more it accumulates inside. This means that if you drink liquid irregularly and in insufficient quantities, then the next time it is received, the body retains water, keeping it as if in reserve. Thus, a person not only exposes himself to a number of diseases with his own hands, but also gains excess weight.
The first signal that your body gives you about the lack of water is the well-known fatigue. If a physiological loss of fluid is not compensated for a long time, then a person begins to feel aches in the joints and discomfort in the spine. Toxins accumulate in the body, immunity decreases, and a person becomes more susceptible to diseases, especially infectious ones.
Important!
Daily need to use 1.5-2 liters of fluid. Regular intake of quality water will give you a feeling of a surge of strength and vitality, improve digestion processes, cease to bother headaches and other uncomfortable sensations. You will not only feel better, but you will certainly look better.
It is recommended to use a glass of water on an empty stomach. During the day, the daily rate should be distributed evenly. It is better to drink still water and room temperature.
Conclusion
The functions of water in the human body are diverse and numerous. Therefore, do not neglect such an important component of your diet. Drink water in the required quantities and be healthy!