By: Ola Azzouqa
Freshwater is necessary for the survival of all living beings on Earth. All oxygen-dependent organisms need water for the respiration process. Some beings, such as fish, cannot breathe outside water. Plants need water to grow as it activates the process of germination, it also softens the seed making it easier for the plant to break through by transporting important nutrients through the plant.
Humans as well need water to survive. Without water, the human body would stop functioning properly. A person can't survive for more than a few days without water as the human body has lots of important jobs and it needs water to do many of them.
Up to 65% of the adult body is water; the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, the lungs are about 83% water, the skin contains 63% water, kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are 32%.
For instance, the human blood, which is 92% water, carries oxygen to all the cells of the body. Without oxygen, those cells would die and the body would stop working. Water is crucial for the human body to survive and work properly.
What are some of the benefits of drinking water?
WebMd stated that drinking water is a necessary part of staying healthy. Here are six reasons why you should be drinking enough water.
Maintains body fluids balance
Water maintains the balance of body fluids; these body fluids are necessary for digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintaining the body temperature.
Maintains normal bowel function
Water maintains normal bowel function, it is important for digestion as it keeps the food you eat moving through your intestines.
Helps kidneys and the liver
Water helps kidneys and the liver by flashing wastes, drinking enough water can help reduce the risk for kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Water also cleanses the body of toxins as it helps with flushing toxins.
Improves skin health and beauty
Such as with your kidneys and the liver, proper hydration flushes toxins out of your body so it clears your skin of any dirt and bacteria. The more you drink water and stay hydrated, the fewer wrinkles and fine lines you’ll have.
Controls calories and aids weight loss
Staying hydrated may help with weight maintenance, studies showed that having water before a meal may fill you up and therefore promote weight loss by eating less at the meal.
Increase Energy
Drinking water and staying hydrated gives you more energy. Dehydration can lead to weakness and exhaustion as water impacts the flow of oxygen to the brain, muscles, and all body parts.
How much should we drink water?
Humans must consume a certain amount of water to survive. Of course, the amount varies according to several factors such as age, gender, weight, and activity level, it is also affected by where someone lives.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends the following:
- For men, a total of 13 cups (about 3 litres) each day.
- For women, 9 cups (a little over 2 litres) each day. Pregnant women should drink about 10 cups of water daily. Those who breastfeed need about 12 cups
In some cases and conditions, you might have to increase your water intake:
- If you exercise
- On a hot day
- When you are sick
- When you are tired
- If you take medications
- If you drink a lot of caffeine
What are the best times to drink water?
As researches shows, the optimal time in the day to drink water to maximise its effectiveness on the body is when you wake up; water on an empty stomach will help to activate your internal organs and remove any toxins. It is beneficial also to drink water 30 minutes before a meal, before taking a bath, before & after a workout, and before you go to sleep.
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