Why is water so important for us? About 65% of our body is made up of water, so it is vital for us to maintain that balance. Water helps our body work properly. Not only does it help flush out waste from our system, but it also helps our bodies stay at the right temperature. We lose water from our bodies through our breath, skin evaporation, and our bodily waste.
Without enough water, our body would not have enough fluid to transport our blood to all of our major organs. This is called dehydration, which we have all experienced at one time or another. Signs of being dehydrated:
- Fever, heat exposure, and too much exercise
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination due to infection
- Diseases such as diabetes
- The inability to seek appropriate water and food (as in the case of a disabled person)
- An impaired ability to drink (for instance, someone in a coma or on a respirator)
- No access to safe drinking water
- Significant injuries to skin, such as burns or mouth sores, or severe skin diseases or infections (water is lost through the damaged skin)
Some parts of our body that benefit from water are our brain, heart, kidneys, and even our skin. When our brain is properly hydrated it helps with our memory function. When we are dehydrated, our brain cells can lose some functionality and our short-term memory can become impaired. When our heart does not get enough water, our blood volume lowers, and the heart then has to work harder to pump blood to get oxygen to our cells. This makes simple activities such as walking up a flight of stairs more difficult.
Our kidneys filter our waste from blood and turn it into urine. Without enough water, our kidneys may not work correctly. Drinking enough water can help reduce the chances of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
But don’t forget about the largest organ of the human body, your skin. Even drinking about 2 cups of water a day can increase blood flow to the skin. Water helps a variety of skin cell structures that support collagen, and collagen plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles. I am not saying that water prevents wrinkles but if I can reduce the look of pores and wrinkles as a side effect of keeping my vital organs running properly, I’ll take it!
The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.