Why Drinking Water Is Indispensable ?

The human body is 50-60% water. As such, water is an important component of the human body, and is essential for good health. A person needs to drink about 2-3 litres of water per day, except in the case of some medical conditions where fluid restriction is advised, or during dehydration and constipation when more water is required. Apart from the water form, it can be consumed in other liquid forms such as fruit juices, soups, milk, buttermilk, tea and coffee. Water performs numerous functions in the body, and these are discussed below.
  1. Integral to body organs:
    • Water is an important component of body organs such as brain, muscles, bones and joints. The human brain is 85% water and bones are about 10-15% of water. It also gives shape to the body cells, and prevents them from shrinking.
    • It moisturizes the body organs. It prevents the skin from drying, moisturizes the air in the lungs, and lubricates the joints.
    • Through the kidney and the liver, it enables the removal of toxins.
  2. Necessary for body processes:
    • It enables absorption of various water soluble vitamins and minerals in the body, and transport of oxygen and nutrients to various body parts through the blood circulation.
    • It helps in food digestion, by enabling formation of saliva, and in helping body absorb various water soluble vitamins and minerals.
    • It regulates the body temperature through perspiration; when the temperature in the surroundings is higher than the body, the water in the body absorbs heat, and sweats. The sweat then evaporates, and cools the body.
    • It is an important component of chemical reactions taking place in the body.
  3. Essential for good health:
    • It prevents dehydration which may cause dizziness, tiredness, headaches, muscle cramps and joint diseases.
    • It prevents constipation by absorbing soluble fiber in diet, and forming soft stools for easy excretion from the body.
    • It may enable weight loss by suppressing appetite. Ice-cold water allows you to burn extra calories.
One should consume adequate amount of water to prevent the body from dehydration. Since caffeine dehydrates the body, for every 1 cup of coffee, increase the water intake by 2 cups. Other then any medical conditions, the need for water rises while exercising, flying, and during hot weather. Drink sufficient water in winters to prevent any health issues.

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