Importance of Water
Ex tension
SP553
WATER:
Betty Greer,Ph.D., R.D.
Professor
Family and Consumer Sciences
Important for Life
W
ater makes up approximately twothirds of the body’s weight and approximately 75 percent of the brain’s weight. Nearly 4 percent of the water in the body is lost through the skin, lungs and through urine and stools each day. This water loss must be replaced continually by beverage and food consumption. Sweating causes greater water loss and increases the need to consume more fluids.
Water loss resulting in as little as 1 percent decrease in body weight is called dehydration.
Dehydration will reduce the body’s ability to perform physically and mentally. Infants and children can quickly become dehydrated; therefore, it is critical they consume adequate fluids. Water is so important to well-being that you can only live a few days without it.
Why Is Water So Important?
It makes up a large part of the body and plays a role in nearly every function of the body: ●
Water is essential for the body to cool itself. The inability of the body to cool itself will result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion or a heat stroke.
● Water
is needed for digesting, absorbing and transporting nutrients.
● Water
is a lubricant for joints and cushions vital organs and tissues. It is important for healthy mucus membranes in the lining of the mouth, lungs, nose and intestines.
● Water
helps prevent constipation (and possibly reduce the risk of colon cancer) by adding bulk to feces and moving it through the colon faster. Getting enough fluid is critical with a high-fiber diet to keep the bowels functioning properly.
●
Water is critical for health because it carries waste products from cells so the waste can be excreted from the body.
How Much Water Do You Need?
The average male needs approximately 12 cups of water per day, and the average female needs approximately nine cups. The following are
SP553
WATER:
Betty Greer,Ph.D., R.D.
Professor
Family and Consumer Sciences
Important for Life
W
ater makes up approximately twothirds of the body’s weight and approximately 75 percent of the brain’s weight. Nearly 4 percent of the water in the body is lost through the skin, lungs and through urine and stools each day. This water loss must be replaced continually by beverage and food consumption. Sweating causes greater water loss and increases the need to consume more fluids.
Water loss resulting in as little as 1 percent decrease in body weight is called dehydration.
Dehydration will reduce the body’s ability to perform physically and mentally. Infants and children can quickly become dehydrated; therefore, it is critical they consume adequate fluids. Water is so important to well-being that you can only live a few days without it.
Why Is Water So Important?
It makes up a large part of the body and plays a role in nearly every function of the body: ●
Water is essential for the body to cool itself. The inability of the body to cool itself will result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion or a heat stroke.
● Water
is needed for digesting, absorbing and transporting nutrients.
● Water
is a lubricant for joints and cushions vital organs and tissues. It is important for healthy mucus membranes in the lining of the mouth, lungs, nose and intestines.
● Water
helps prevent constipation (and possibly reduce the risk of colon cancer) by adding bulk to feces and moving it through the colon faster. Getting enough fluid is critical with a high-fiber diet to keep the bowels functioning properly.
●
Water is critical for health because it carries waste products from cells so the waste can be excreted from the body.
How Much Water Do You Need?
The average male needs approximately 12 cups of water per day, and the average female needs approximately nine cups. The following are
References: Benardot, D. 1992. Sports Nutrition. The American Dietetic Association. Sherman W.M. 1996. American College of Sports Medicine position Kleiner S.M. 1999. “Water: An essential but overlooked nutrient.” Journal of the American