Keeping ourselves hydrated throughout the day is crucial to maintaining health and well-being. Sixty percent of our body is made up of water, and without it, we would not be able to make some of the essential body processes.
However, not all areas in the world have access to clean drinking water. The issue with this is that these communities cannot function well, and some may get dehydrated or sick from the lack of water or drinking poor alternative water sources. You may want to help change lives and partner with Clean Water International to help get water to these areas.
An average person needs to drink six to eight glasses of water daily. For places with more hot and humid temperatures, drinking at least eight or more glasses is ideal for optimum body function. Here are eight benefits of drinking water – one for each cup to make it easy to remember!
1. Forms saliva and mucus
Saliva is vital since it aids in digestion in the mouth. When food first enters the mouth when we eat, amylase in our saliva starts to break the food down. Aside from that, saliva reduces friction when we talk and eat, thereby reducing the appearance of scars or wounds.
On the other hand, mucus is vital in protecting the tissue lining our throat, lungs, and nasal passages. It keeps them from drying out and neutralizes the bacteria we inhale.
2. Deliver oxygen
Considering that blood is 90% water, water is vital for transporting oxygen from our lungs to the different parts of the body. This is important since most of our body functions need oxygen to work. For example, for us to move our muscles (both voluntary and involuntary), we need oxygen as “fuel” for it to work.
3. Cushions vital organs
If you’ve ever thought you could get brain damage from dehydration, you’re right. Without water, the increased neuronal activation occurs when performing cognitively engaging tasks. This indicates that the brain works harder than usual to complete basic tasks.
Moreover, water also affects the way that hormones and neurotransmitters work. It increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system or our fight or flight response which increases our alertness and energy expenditure.
4. Lubricates the joints
Cartilage contains 80% water. It is essential since this connective tissue allows joints to move in fluid motion and cushions bones against impact. In short, it reduces friction in joints, which prevents wear and tear of bones.
5. Regulates temperature
Homeostasis, one of our body’s basic functions, is often disrupted by the lack of water. One of the most considerable implications this has is that it affects how we regulate body temperature. The body uses water to cool off when the body is too hot through perspiration. It cools the body and lowers it back to normal when we sweat.
Too little water in the body increases heat storage and makes the person more vulnerable to heat strain. It can also increase physical strain when we walk or exercise.
6. Flushes body waste
Sweat, urine, and feces can only be formed using water. Water is vital in eliminating harmful toxins in the body. Many by-products of metabolism and digestion require water to remove them from the body. Without water, there is a high chance these toxins would stay in the body, leading to problems in our organs such as our liver and kidneys.
7. Maintain blood pressure
Blood becomes thicker and viscous when we are dehydrated. Dehydration often results in the kidney releasing renin, resulting in sodium and water retention in the body to correct the low fluid volume. If this response stays constant, it often results in high blood pressure.
Maintaining the right blood pressure is essential so as not to damage our arteries and prevent chest pain. Hypertension makes arteries less elastic, decreasing blood and oxygen flow to the heart, lessening the risk for heart disease. Decreased blood flow to the heart can also cause angina or chest pain.
8. Digestion
Water helps break down food to help the body absorb the nutrients found in food. Without it, most of the nutrients we eat would not be processed or used by the body. Aside from that, water also helps soften stool and prevents constipation. Dehydration can cause many gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and high pH in the stomach, increasing the risk for ulcers and heartburn.
