WHAT ARE THE 5 MAIN FUNCTIONS OF WATER IN THE BODY?

There are numerous benefits of water. Without food, the human body can go for weeks, but only days without water. Water makes about 50-75% of the human body. It is found in lean muscles, fat, bones, blood, digestive fluids, urine, and sweat.

We require fresh supplies every day to cover losses from the lungs, skin, urine, and feces (poo) since the body can't retain water. The quantity of water we require is generally determined by our body size, metabolism, weather, the foods we consume, and our degree of exercise.

Whatever you do, make sure you get 6 to 8 glasses of water, or else dehydration can lead to a slew of issues. Below are some dehydration symptoms you may experience: 

• Headaches that don't seem to go away. When you're dehydrated, one of the first symptoms you'll experience is a pounding headache. What's the good news? If dehydration is the reason, it should go away once a large glass of water is consumed. 
• Sluggish bowel movement. 
• Dull skin, Signs of dehydration reflect on your face as the skin appears to be dry and flaky that is less luminous, plump, and bouncy.  
• Fatigue, your energy levels may drop, and you may suffer lethargy and brain fog if you don't refill your fluid intake. So, the next time you go for another cup of coffee, consider whether you actually need water. 
• Weight gain.  
• You have a dry mouth. Dry mucous membranes, or a lack of saliva, can be a result of less water intake. Talking, swallowing, and even breathing might become difficult as a result of this. But there is a simple solution: drinking enough water. 

Benefits of water

The chemical compound H2O is required for the majority of bodily activities as the following:

• To maintain the health and integrity of all bodily cells.
• To maintain enough blood flow via blood vessels by keeping up the fluid movement. 
• To help eliminate metabolic waste, excess electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium), and urea, which is a waste product produced during the digestion of ingested protein.
• To sweat, which helps regulate body temperature.
• To retain moisture in mucous membranes in the lungs and mouth.
• To keep joints lubricated and cushioned.
• To free the bladder of microorganisms, thereby reducing the chance of cystitis.
• To help in digestion and prevent constipation.
• To maintain skin hydration.
• To ease the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to cells.
• To act as a shock absorber for the eyes, spinal cord, and amniotic sac around the baby in pregnancy.

Water, We drink it, bathe in it, and swim in it, but what functions does it play in our bodies? Here are 5 benefits of water that help maintain our bodies' health and functionality properly.

1. Hydration

One of the benefits of water is that it helps avoid dehydration symptoms such as headaches, lethargy, and dry skin. Many individuals drink adequate water throughout the day by drinking when thirsty and along with meals. However, the elderly and children may require a bit more encouragement. Keeping hydrated does not imply that you should only drink regular water. In fact, fluids like tea, lemon water, fresh juices, and watery fruits and vegetables like strawberries and cucumber also count. Including a water-rich diet is what gives you the health benefits of water.

2. Protection

Water not only keeps us hydrated but also keeps our tissues wet. The primary function of water in the body is to keep the body hydrated through proper water consumption so that the eyes, nose, and mouth do not dry up. The brain, blood, and bones are among the other body parts that benefit from water consumption. The benefits of water also include lubrication of our joints, such as knees and ankles, as well as cushioning and protecting the spinal cord.

3. Detox

Adequate water intake promotes body waste removal through perspiration. Water helps flush out waste from the liver, kidneys, and intestines. The process of urination and excretion is an obvious response. Another benefit of water is that it transfers food through the digestive tract and softens stools, which helps prevent constipation. 

4. Digestion

The first step in digestion is chewing, which requires saliva. Saliva is composed of water and enzymes that dissolve minerals and nutrients, which help soften food before swallowing. Water helps in the digestion of soluble fiber. Pectins and beta-glucans, which are present in oats and fruit, are examples of soluble fiber. In the presence of water, this fiber dissolves readily and assists in digestion by forming soft, easy-to-pass stools.

5. Maintain body temperature

Lastly, of the many benefits of water, its consumption aids in the regulation of our body temperature. When it's hot outdoors, we sweat more, which results in loss of body fluid to keep it cool and maintain a consistent body temperature.

In general, you should strive to drink 1.5 liters of water daily, although everyone is different. You are best to recognize whether you are thirsty or dehydrated. Remember that you will need to restore lost fluids if you engage in strenuous activities, or suffer from fever, food poisoning, and diarrhea. Similarly, if you are pregnant or nursing, see your doctor about increasing your fluid consumption because your body will absorb more water than usual.