One of the secrets to maintaining a healthy body is proper hydration. Water is not just a drink to quench your thirst, but it is a superhero that runs your body smoothly. It is a fuel that is necessary for the nourishment of cells and for the proper functioning of a body. It is like an unsung hero who is often ignored in the magical realm of maintaining a healthy body.
In this blog post, we embark on a journey to explore the significance of water for maintaining a healthy body, highlighting the importance of water in different body functions and what happens if the body does not get enough water.
The basic structural and functional unit of life are cells, the building blocks of life. These cells depend highly on water for their, development, nourishment, reproduction, and proper functioning. The human body is made up of trillions of cells that require water to maintain their structure, carry out biochemical reactions, and transport nutrients. Hydration plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular health and vitality.
The brain which is the control center of our body is nothing without water. It accounts for only 2% of total body weight but contains a high proportion of water. Dehydration leads to the malfunctioning of the brain and impairing cognitive functions, causing difficulty in thinking, memorizing, and focusing abilities.
Water plays a key role in the digestion of food, facilitating the breakdown of food particles and the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. It also ensures the smooth removal of waste materials through the body. So, proper hydration is required for maintaining the stability of the digestive system. If there is not sufficient water intake then it leads to constipation, a disease that results in painful and difficult-to-pass bowel movements.
Water is present almost everywhere in joints, the brain, the spinal cord, etc. , making up 60% of the human body. It is a primary component of cells, tissues, and organs, and having its proper concentration is crucial for maintaining overall health and physiological processes.
Water is also known as the universal solvent. Because of this property, it aids in the transportation of nutrients throughout the body. It allows the efficient absorption and utilization of beneficial nutrients by the cells.
Water is also required for the smooth and pain-free movement of joints as it is present as a lubricating substance called synovial fluid in joints. This fluid reduces friction between joints and allows smooth movement. Insufficient water intake leads to stiffness of joints, resulting in decreased joint flexibility and mobility.
Almost all the biochemical reactions occur in aqueous medium. Water plays a key role in these reactions and helps in the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, releasing the energy necessary for the proper functioning of the cells.
It also maintains the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, etc. that are essential for cellular signaling, muscular contraction, and proper functioning of nerves. Dehydration results in ion imbalance leading to weakness, muscle cramps, etc. In severe cases, ion imbalance leads to hyponatremia.
- Proper hydration is also essential for maintaining the health of the skin which is the body’s largest organ. Skin becomes dry, dull, and less smooth because of dehydration which also speeds up the aging process. So, to maintain the health of the body’s largest organ, proper hydration is required.
Adequate water intake increases the body’s capability to cool down through sweating, a process that is required for the regulation of body temperature. Dehydration increases the risk of heat-related problems i.e. heat stroke, especially during hot weather.
Kidneys that filter waste from the blood also require water for their proper functioning and face strain if there is not enough water. Dehydration also increases the risk of kidney stone formation and urinary tract infections.
Rather than its small size and simple nature, water also affects our moods, having an insufficient water intake makes us feel dizzy and lightheaded. So, proper hydration is the cornerstone of maintaining overall health and vitality.
Water is the blood that nourishes our cells and allows our joints to dance. So, if you want to achieve a healthy body that is ready for the adventures of life, don’t forget to remain hydrated and drink plenty of water!
