Water is a fundamental resource for life, for economic growth and for human development. The water resource brings well-being to people, it is the main element to ensure the proper functioning of the human body and to guarantee personal hygiene and the environment in general. In the body, water maintains the isotonic balance of metabolism, forms organs, bones and muscles. In addition, it gives life to the skin, hair and internal tissues. In total, water makes up 60% of the body of adults and 77% of newborns. According to Dr. Nilo Carvajal, “there are functions that can only be performed with the presence of water, because the body, just as it requires oxygen to function, and food for energy, needs liquid to perform various functions.”
Water in the body The most important functions that water helps to perform in the body are:
- The breathing.
- The digestion.
- Regulation of body temperature.
- It is essential to transport nutrients such as oxygen and mineral salts, in the blood. Helps maintain balance and blood pressure.
- Regulates heartburn. Maintains metabolism.
- It helps regulate all the reactions of the body.
Water is, in addition, the fundamental component of blood and internal organs, in the following proportion:
- Blood: 83% water.
- Kidneys: 82% water.
- Muscles: 75% water.
- Brain: 74% water.
- Bones: 22% water.
According to Carvajal, “water is essential to balance enzymatic reactions. The water must contain sodium, potassium and chlorine, so that the kidney does not eliminate it completely through the urine. Sodium, which is found in water, is the most important solute for the body’s hydroelectrolyte balance, essential for keeping the body in perfect balance ”, he explains. The specialist recommends consuming two and a half liters of water daily, especially in summer, when a high percentage of water is lost through perspiration. That is, about 1.5 ml per kilo of body weight per day.
The body eliminates two and a half liters of water daily through respiration, perspiration, urine and feces. At the same time, it requires making up for this loss by obtaining water in its traditional form, through food or from the body itself, in the following way:
Water inlet through the mouth: 1.3 liters.
Urine output: 1.5 liters.
Liquid entry into food: 1 liter.
Stool output: 200 ml.
Internal metabolism oxidation: 300 ml.
Breathing: 300 ml.
Perspiration: 600 ml.
TOTAL: 2.6 liters.
Water also tones the body and is especially beneficial for athletes. It also helps the body use fat stores for energy and to eliminate them through urine. Regarding its aesthetic effect, water helps to hydrate skin and muscles. Thus, a well-hydrated and water-toned body is reflected in a smooth skin and firmer and more elastic muscle tissue.
Essential component
The total liquid that the body is made up of is distributed as follows: Cells: 55%. Interstitial fluid (surrounds cells): 20%. Connective tissue, skin and muscles: 7.5%. Plasma: 7%. Transcellular fluid: 2.5%. Others: 8%. A person can go about five weeks without receiving protein, carbohydrates and fat, but cannot survive more than five days without drinking water.
