The Importance of Water: Your Body's Lifeline.
Water is more than just a thirst quencher. It's a fundamental building block of life. Your body relies on it for numerous vital functions.
Imagine this: the average man is about 60% water, women are around 50%, and your brain is a whopping 75% water. It's no exaggeration to say that we can't survive without it for long.
Daily, your body loses water through urination, sweating, and breathing. You need to replenish this lost water regularly to stay in top form. Otherwise, you risk becoming dehydrated.
Here's a quick rundown of what happens at different dehydration levels:
1% dehydration: You start feeling thirsty and less focused.
5% dehydration: You get hot, tired & your performance drops.
10% dehydration: Delirium and blurred vision creep in.
20% dehydration: This level can be life-threatening.
That's how critical water is to your survival.
It's not just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have.
The Roles of Water in Your Body
Transporting Nutrients: Once a substance dissolves in water, it becomes a vital transporter. Your blood, which is 83% water, carries oxygen, nutrients, and waste products from cell to cell. Even urine, mostly water, plays a role in removing waste from your body.
Moistening and Protecting: Keeps your mouth moist, washes away dirt from your eyes, and lubricates your joints, ensuring they remain flexible.
Maintaining pH and Electrolyte Balance: Helps maintain your body's optimal pH level (around 7.4). It's also essential for regulating electrolytes, like sodium and chloride, which play a crucial role in nerve transmission and muscle contraction.
Participating in Chemical Reactions: Crucial in various bodily processes, from digesting food to providing energy for your muscles and organs.
Regulating Temperature: It acts as a natural thermostat, helping your body maintain its temperature.
Reducing the Risk of Health Issues: Staying hydrated can lower the risk of kidney stones, some types of cancer, and even constipation.
Ensuring Adequate Blood Volume: Water is a significant component of your body fluids, essential for proper circulation.
If you would like advice and support to transform your health habits, speak to Future Days about our custom nutrition coaching services.
Read more about our services on our Nutrition page, or book your Body Blueprint Consult here.