THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER IN THE BODY

the importance of water in the body

The human body is made up of approximately 60% water, the brain is 75% water and our blood is 83%. We are continually losing water over the day through urine, sweat and in our breath as vapour. This water has to be replaced, as the body cannot store water. In fact, the human body can last weeks without food but only days without water; water is absolutely essential to life.

Essential Functions of Water

1 Acts as a delivery system, taking nutrients to cells and removing waste

2 Forms the base of many bodily fluids such as blood and saliva

3 Helps regulate body temperature

4 Forms fluid surrounding joints
Needed for digestion, softening and dissolving food components


5 Essential for normal bowel movements and preventing constipation


6 Keeps skin hydrated

FACTS

1 Men have higher body water content than women

2 Body water content falls with age to around 50% in the elderly

3 During a 3-hour flight, you can lose up to 1.5 liters of body water!

4 water-skin-hydration