Water! Or H2O, a simple chemical compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms and a single oxygen atom. However, without it, life as we know it would not exist.
Water is the elixir of life!
Of all the elements, water is the most abundant substance, covering three-fourths of our planet. Water is also found on every planet in the solar system and is essential to life on all Earth-like worlds. Water is the second most abundant element in the entire universe!
It’s the medium through which all life processes occur. It’s the most important nutrient of life, and we can’t live without it. Yet most of us don’t appreciate the multiple benefits of water and take it for granted.
In this article, we’re going to explore just how important water is to our lives and how without it, the world would not function or be able to exist.
A lack of water in the body can lead to a host of serious health problems. It’s the most common cause of death in the world. It’s a major contributor to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
The role of water is paramount in every bodily function; it is needed for the proper functioning of the nervous system, eyes, ears, skin, and many other organs.
1. It’s the basis of our metabolism.
The role of water in the digestion of food is essential. Water helps in the production of bile and stomach acid, which is needed for digestion. It helps break down food into vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and aids in the absorption of these by the body. It then helps to transport these nutrients to the cells.
It also helps carry waste products out of our cells. The kidneys produce urine and remove waste products from the blood. Water is needed to help flush these waste products out of the body. If you are not drinking enough water, your kidneys will work harder to remove these waste products, leading to kidney problems.
2. It is needed for hydration
Dehydration can cause serious complications such as heat strokes and fatigue. The average body loses 2-3 quarts (8-12 cups) of water daily through sweating, urination, and evaporation (through our skin and lungs). It is very important to replenish this loss by drinking between 2 and 3 litres of water throughout the day. We can also make this up through eating high water content foods such as fruits.
3. Production of saliva
Saliva is composed of approximately 98% water, with the other 2% being made up of electrolytes, white blood cells, and mucus. The role saliva is essential. It helps maintain oral health by stopping the dryness of the mouth and preventing bacterial infections. It is the starting point of the digestive process and it helps in allowing us to taste and swallow our food.
4. It helps maintain body temperature
Water helps in the process of thermoregulation in our body. It helps to regulate the temperature of the body and maintain it at an ideal level. The heat produced by our internal organs is removed by the evaporation of water through sweat. If there is an insufficiency of water, the body temperature can rise, leading to heatstroke.
If the body is cold, water helps in keeping the body warm by absorbing heat from the surrounding environment in the body. Drinking water during exercise can help prevent the heat strain that causes cramps and muscle soreness.
5. Water aids in weight loss
Drinking lots of water can help as a weight-loss strategy. Water has zero calories and is a great substitute for higher-calorie beverages. High water content food is absorbed more slowly by the body, which helps you feel full and curb appetite. These types of foods include fruits, vegetables, soups, oatmeal, and beans.
It also helps in weight loss by keeping your metabolism going. It helps flush out toxins and waste materials from the body. If you are looking to lose weight, you should drink at least 2 litres of water every day.
6. It helps in the prevention of heart disease and stroke.
Water helps to prevent the build-up of plaque in our arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It helps to prevent the formation of blood clots and the constriction of blood vessels. It also helps to prevent the build-up of salt in the body, ensuring that our blood pressure is maintained at a normal level. If you are dehydrated, your blood pressure will rise. If you are drinking enough water, your blood pressure will be maintained at a normal level.
7. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels
The body needs to have a certain amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood to function normally. If there is an insufficiency of water, the body will absorb sugar from the food that you eat. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and in turn, lead to diabetes.
8. It helps in preventing constipation
Water helps to keep the bowels moving and prevent constipation. It helps to lubricate the bowels, which helps them to move properly. It also helps to prevent the absorption of toxins into the body.
9. It helps our joints
The synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and helps them move, by preventing friction between our bones, consists mostly of water. When our body is dehydrated, water is pulled from the cartridge and surrounding areas, causing our joints to ache.
People find it difficult to drink water. Many people also find it difficult to keep track of how much water they consume on a daily basis. Here are a few tips to get as much water into your diet as possible:
- Set a daily goal and stick to it. Motivate yourself to stay on track
- Set reminders to drink water throughout the using your phone
- Make it a habit to drink water first thing in the morning. It helps you start the day hydrated.
- Drink a glass of water before and after meals.
- If you find it difficult to drink plain, you can add slices of fruit to flavour it. Many people add sliced lime and lemon pieces.
- Eat foods high in water content, such as, celery and watermelon
Water is a truly fascinating compound that we cannot live without. Drinking enough water throughout the day is absolutely essential in maintaining bodily functions and staying healthy.