Can You Live Without Water?

Introduction

65 % of our body is composed of water, from our organs to our blood cells, we need water to function effectively. Most people know that drinking plenty of water is beneficial for us.

In this blog, I will share with you 4 benefits of drinking plenty of water.

 

1. Adequate hydration has a big impact on your immune system.

Water allows your blood to carry oxygen to all the cells in your body. With oxygen this allows your kidneys to function at its best. The kidneys job is to filter out all the toxins. Without your kidneys getting enough oxygen to function, toxins will start to accumulate and will not be excreted as waste.

Another way water aids in your immune system is through the production of lymph fluid within the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system provides a network of blood vessels and lymph nodes that help protect our body from outside invaders such as bacteria. Lymph fluid carries bacteria to lymph nodes where it gets filtered and destroyed.

 

2. Water helps aid in digestion.

We may have all wondered, if the acid in our stomach is so strong that it can dissolve a nail. Why doesn’t it burn a hole through our stomach? Good question. This is all due to your mucous stomach lining. Without adequate water this mucous membrane would be limited. As a result this would cause ulcers within the stomach which can be very unpleasant.

Staying hydrated helps your gastrointestinal tract to flow freely and prevents constipation. When you are dehydrated your body will try to keep hydrated by any means possible. Even if it means pulling water away from stools. This results in hard and dry stools which are straining to pass through. As you are needed to use force to pass them through, this can negatively impact your body by developing hernias, hemorrhoids or even diverticulitis.

 

3. Water can help maximize physical performance.

Studies have shown that even losing as much as 2 percent of body water can have a noticeable effect on physical performance. Like any other organs within the body, our muscles are also dependent on water to function effectively. As we exert ourselves physically we will sweat to regulate our body temperature. This results in a drop in body water content. With minimum water reserves that will go to other vital organs, our muscles will have insufficient hydration to function properly. We will notice increased fatigue and will be worn out much easier.

 

4. Water can help you lose weight!

Research has shown drinking water can help you burn more calories and promotes the breakdown of fat cells. Other research has shown that drinking water prior to a meal can help suppress appetite. Water is a zero calorie free option and is an awesome replacement for other drinks that are high in calorie.

 

Now we know how important water is to help us regulate our daily lives. How much do we need to drink to see these benefits?

Well as with most things it really depends on each individual. Many factors may affect how much we need to drink. Are we doing any vigorous physical activity? Is it a hot summer’s day? As a rule of thumb drinking 1 liter per 25 kg of body weight should be adequate.

Some tips to keep yourself hydrated all the time:

• If you are sick of drinking plain old water try adding lemon or other citric fruit pieces to flavour your water naturally.
• Fruits and vegetables are also high in water content. With some having high fiber content which can aid in digestion.
• Carry a reusable drink bottle with you, so you can always refill it.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake. Both these beverages act as diuretics resulting in you losing more water than you should.
• Drink small sips throughout the day. Don’t wait until you feel the symptoms of thirst etc.

 

 

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