7 questions about why drinking water

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

There is a lot of talk around water: how much to drink, when to drink, what to drink and what not to drink? The life hacker found out what water is for us in general and how to consume it correctly. Eden Springs, one of the world leaders in providing offices with water and coffee *, manufacturer and supplier of bottled Eden ** water in Russia, helped to answer the main questions.

Why does the body need water?

For life. On average, an adult body circulates about 5 liters of blood. Blood plasma is 92–95% water. Thanks to water, blood can perform its functions:

• deliver nutrients to organ cells;
• bring oxygen from the lungs to tissues and return carbon dioxide to them;
• throw out waste substances from the internal organs through the kidneys;
• provide homeostasis (constancy and balance of the internal environment): maintain temperature, water-salt balance, hormones and enzymes;
• protect the body: leukocytes and plasma proteins circulate in the blood, which are responsible for immunity.

If there is not enough water in the body, then the blood mass decreases, its viscosity increases. It is not easy for the heart to pump such blood. Premature wear of the heart muscle occurs, which leads to pathology up to myocardial infarction.

That is why, during active sports and high loads, the body needs more water.

Is it true that the lack of water hurts your head?

Truth. Even mild dehydration causes the brain to function worse.

More than 80 percent of the brain cells are water, and a fifth of all blood is constantly washing it. Plus, the brain "bathes" in cerebrospinal fluid, which fills all the spaces in the spinal canal and cranium.

With water, oxygen and glucose are supplied to the brain, which are necessary for the generation of nerve impulses, that is, for nervous activity. Water removes metabolic products and toxins from the brain.

Therefore, if there is not enough fluid, dehydration (dehydration) of the brain occurs. And with her:

• increased fatigue and distraction;
• memory impairment;
• slowing down the speed of mathematical calculations;
• negative emotions.

Dehydration has been found in people with autism, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. On the other hand, schoolchildren who drink water during the school day improve their performance.

What happens if I don't drink enough water?

The state of health will worsen. In addition to the headache, other unpleasant symptoms of dehydration from the digestive and excretory systems will appear.

The work of the stomach and intestines is impossible without the intake of water. And there are several explanations for this. Water ensures normal digestion of food and absorption of nutrients from the intestines. If there is little water in the body, there will be discomfort in the abdomen and constipation.

The kidneys filter 150-170 liters of blood per day to produce 1.5 liters of urine. This means that for the normal elimination of toxins and waste substances, you need to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, but preferably more.

With a lack of fluid, the filtration capacity of the kidneys worsens, they themselves can accumulate an excess of toxic substances. Against this background, various renal pathologies can occur. One of the main medical prescriptions for kidney pathology is the recommendation of an abundant drink to cleanse and restore function.

When is more water needed than usual?

When you want to have a baby. The basis of the seminal fluid is water. Thanks to her, the sperm goes in search of the egg, swimming through the woman's reproductive pathways until conception occurs.

The new organism also spends all nine months in the aquatic environment. The amount of amniotic fluid increases with an increase in the size of the fetus, reaching 1,000 milliliters by birth. Waters support the fetus, protect it from infections, create conditions for growth and development.

During childbirth, water ensures the normal dilatation of the cervix and contributes to the safe movement of the baby along the birth canal.

I never drink much. Will it somehow affect me?

You will most likely look worse as you get older.

Avicenna also noticed that old age is dryness. In order for the skin to perform its protective function, it must maintain turgor (elasticity and firmness). Then she will be able to withstand the hot sun, drying wind or low air temperatures.

Healthy skin is 25% water and wrinkles when dehydrated. This means that to maintain her turgor, a daily intake of water is required. Better clean, slightly mineralized and free of gas.

To maintain the efficiency of the skin, at least 2 liters of clean water should be supplied to it per day.

What other negative consequences does water shortage cause?

Even joints need water. If they are stiff, the person is deprived of freedom: he moves poorly and can hardly cope with matters. According to statistics, 30% of the population has joint diseases.

The joints are covered with cartilage. It is the slippery elastic cartilage that provides the mobility of the bone joints. Water makes up 80% of the cartilage. In addition, the joint capsule surrounding each joint contains joint fluid for lubricating cartilaginous surfaces. With a lack of water, they are destroyed, causing severe pain to a person.

What if I am not thirsty?

While doing business, we sometimes do not notice that we want to drink, and even confuse thirst and hunger, we reach for snacks when we just need to take a sip of water.

The best way to prevent dehydration and all its unpleasant consequences is to put a bottle or a cup of clean, low-mineralized water on the table and take a sip every time your gaze falls on the water.

If you understand that you are thirsty, then eliminate the thirst in time. And if not, a sip of clean water has not prevented anyone yet.

* According to research conducted by Zenithinternational (specialist consultants to the food and drink industries worldwide) in 2016.

** Eden is Eden artesian water.