–By Loretta Okonkwo
Adequate supply of water is central to life and civilization. The five basic human needs namely air, water, food, lig ht, and heat. Water is common factor to other four. It is therefore not an understatement to say water is life, because it forms an appreciable proportion of all living things including man.
In fact, water is very critical to human life, a major key to survival. Without water, humans can survive only for days.This is because water plays a key for every single cell and organ system in the human body to function in a proper manner.Water constitutes about 80% of animal cells. The human body by weight consists of about 70% water and several body functions depend on water.
Water comprises from 75% body weight in infants to 55% in elderly and is essential for cellular homeostasis and life. Water makes up greater than two third (2/3)of human body weight as brain is made of 75% water, blood is made of 83% water, bones are made of 22% water, muscles are made of 75% water, and the lungs are made of 90% water. All of this water is needed by our bodies, and a 1% loss of body weight due to fluid loss can cause dehydration which can lead to serious medical complications.
Next to oxygen, water is the most essential element that human beings need for survival. Water is the fuel of our body and our organs. Just like a car can’t drive without gas or oil, our body can’t function without water. Perspiration is the body’s natural mechanism to control body temperature. To sweat properly you need plenty of water. Water reduces body temperature making exercising safer and more effective.
Water is a fundamental human need.Water is in principle a common good to be shared by all. The fundamental right to life is illusory without access to fresh water, and is therefore a basic human right. Each person on Earth requires at least 20 to 50 liters of clean, safe water a day for drinking, cooking, and simply keeping themselves clean. Clean drinking water is a basic human need. Unfortunately, more than one in six people still lack reliable access to this precious resource. The problem is particularly acute in the developing world.Today, many people have no access to unpolluted water or can only obtain it through harsh conditions. While in some parts water flows in abundance, in other areas it is scarce and difficult to reach. Such inequality always existed, but today it is aggravated for several reasons. Consumption and demand of water is growing. This inequality requires a common response. Though the inequality cannot be entirely overcome, common responsible action can considerably reduce its effects.
Healthy drinking water and the consumption of sufficient quantity of liquid are essential to a healthy life, to the preservation of beauty and fitness. The exact amount of liquid needed by a person depends on personal characteristics, place of living and physical activity.The human body continuously disposes of its water reserves by perspiring, urinating and defecating, hence water has to be replenished continuously.
Water is the most important element of the body of a human being.The body uses water for every basic process from transporting nutrients throughout the body to maintaining body temperature, lubricates eyes and joints, flushes out toxins and waste, and keeps our skin healthy and beautiful. It plays a role in moistening the sensitive tissues of the oral and nasal cavities and the eyes are also only able to function in a sufficiently moist environment. None of our organs is able to live without it.Our bodies can last weeks, even months without food but only a number of days without water.
Roles of Water in Preserving Health
1. It moistures the sensitive tissues of the nose, the oral cavity and the eye and also works as a lubricant by forming the fluids that surround joints and bones.
2. Protects the organs and tissues
3. Helps to prevent constipation by moving food particles through the intestines and eliminating waste products through the kidneys.
4. Helps dissolve minerals and other nutrients
5. Plays role in regulating body temperature
6. Helps the kidneys and the liver, fosters detoxification.
7. Carries oxygen and nutrients to cells in the body and facilitates all of the chemical processes which occur in the body.
8. It plays a key role in regulating body metabolism.
9. It can also help in weight management as by drinking water you can avoid overeating.
10. It helps to maintain the muscle tone and help to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness during exercise.
11. It also helps to keep your skin looking good and keeps it free from wrinkles and other anti-aging signs.
12. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention
13.Water helps the digestive system to operate the way it is meant to operate, keep the colon healthy and so reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Conclusion
When your water intake is not sufficient, you can become dehydrated. The body loses water through perspiration, waste removal, and other functions. Lungs expel between 2 and 4 cups of water each day through normal breathing. The lost water must be replaced by drinking more water. Your body requires a lot of water every day and that is why health experts recommend drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily. Obviously, the consumption of the required liquid is the sum of the water content of the intake of all nutrients.
To conclude, without water, you cannot survive for more than a few days. So, be sure to drink enough water to enjoy a better and healthy life. When you drink enough water to maintain good health, you are providing enough water to keep your internal organs and systems running smoothly.
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