It’s a fun fact every fifth grader proudly learns in science: the human body is made of mostly water.
Of course, the percentage changes over the span our lives. Babies are born with water comprising nearly 3/4’s of their total weight and this number generally declines as we age. This is because we gain body fat and less fat-free mass as we get older, and fatty tissue contains less water than lean tissue. The brain and heart are composed of 73% water, while the lungs are about 83% water. Our skin contains about 64% water and even our bones are watery at 31%!
Different organs and systems use water in various ways, but one thing is certain: water is essential for keeping our bodies running smoothly and maintaining overall health. We all know that we must drink water to survive, but do you know how your body uses that water to run efficiently? It’s probably more complicated than you think.
Here are some facts about water and the human body to make you smarter than (okay, maybe just as smart as) a fifth grader:
- Water is a vital nutrient to the life of every cell and acts as a building material in the body. Staying hydrated can help maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue. Adequate hydration is crucial for optimal cognitive function and concentration. Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive abilities, memory, and mood.
- It regulates our internal body temperature by sweating. Water plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature. When we sweat, water evaporates from the skin’s surface, helping to cool the body down and prevent overheating during physical activity or in hot environments.
- The carbohydrates and proteins that our bodies use as food are metabolized and transported by water in the bloodstream. Water also acts as a medium for transporting oxygen to cells throughout the body. It helps dissolve vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, allowing them to be absorbed and utilized by the body.
- It assists in flushing waste. Water is vital for the excretion of waste products and toxins from the body. It helps flush out waste through urine, sweat, and bowel movements, aiding in kidney function and preventing constipation.
- Water acts as a shock absorber for the brain, spinal cord and fetus. Water helps cushion our joints and protects them from shock. Adequate hydration can help reduce joint pain and improve joint flexibility.
- Keeps you looking beautiful and at a proper weight. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Water helps keep the skin hydrated, plump, and elastic, reducing the risk of dryness, wrinkles, and other skin problems. Drinking water before meals can help reduce your appetite and calorie intake, promoting weight management.
- Hydration is definitively linked to aging. Studies indicate that adults who stay well-hydrated appear to “be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and live longer compared to those who may not get sufficient fluids,” according to a National Institutes of Health study published in eBioMedicine.
So how much water is enough? The answer is, it depends. Updated standards indicate that adult males need about 101 ounces a day, while adult females require about 74 ounces–this number generally includes all beverages you consume during the day. It’s easy to understand why drinking water should be a priority, especially as we age. Yet most Americans are getting less than half of their required daily hydration intake! How many glasses of water did YOU drink today?
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Let us keep your office hydrated and healthy! Call Michigan Clear Water and schedule a free, no-hassle 7 day trial today!