Jan 24, 2025
Welcome back to House Call on WDTV. Water helps your body to function normally. A UHC Family Medicine physician is here to discuss the benefits consuming quality water.
1). How essential is water consumption to the human body?
Water is essential for daily life. Without water, humans can survive only for days. Water comprises from 75% body weight in infants to 55% in elderly and is essential for cellular homeostasis and life. All the cells and organs need water to function.
Water is the combination of hydrogen and oxygen, and it serves as a lubricant. It makes up saliva and the fluids surrounding the joints. Water regulates the body temperature through perspiration. It also helps prevent and relieve constipation by moving food through the intestines.
2). Can you hydrate your body through other means, besides drinking water?
Yes, you can get some of the water in your body through the foods you eat. Some of the water is made during the process of metabolism.
You also get water through liquid foods and beverages, such as soup, milk, tea, coffee, soda, drinking water, and juices. Alcohol does not add to the body’s water because it is a diuretic. It causes the body to release water.
3). Can your intake of water be inadequate? What is ideal when it comes to daily consumption?
If you do not get enough water each day, the body fluids will be out of balance, causing dehydration. When dehydration is severe, it can be life threatening.
The Dietary Reference Intake for water is between 91 and 125 fluid ounces (2.7 to 3.7 liters) of water per day for adults.
However, individual needs will depend on your gender, weight, age, and activity level, as well as any medical conditions you may have. Keep in mind that this is the total amount you get from both food and beverages every day. There is no specific recommendation for how much water you should drink.
If you drink fluids when you feel thirsty and have beverages with meals, you should get enough water to keep you hydrated. Try to choose water over sweetened drinks. These beverages can cause you to take in too many calories.
As you get older your thirst may change. It is always important to take in fluids throughout the day. If you are concerned you may not be consuming enough water have a conversation with your health care provider
This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
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