Water is a very vital part of our lives. It is the elixir of life. The fact that great civilizations have been built on the banks of water bodies endorses the supreme importance of water.
Water is one of the most important elements of human evolution and sustenance. Life on earth originated from water.
The human body contains from 55% to 78% water, depending on body size (1). The main component of every cell in the human body is water. Water acts as the carrier, transporting the nutrients that we derive from food. It is the biggest part of the blood and lymph systems, carrying food and oxygen to the cells and carrying away waste out of the body. Water flushes the kidneys to get rid of toxic substances in the body. It helps to control the blood pressure by balancing the electrolytes.
One of the most important aspects of water is the presence of many vital nutrients in it, which are very essential for the human body.
Calcium and Magnesium keeps our bones strong and healthy. It helps fight diseases like osteoporosis. It controls blood pressure and prevents heart attacks.
A pivotal role in enzyme operation and muscle contraction is played by Sodium. It improves heart performance, nervous system and helps in blood regulation.
Potassium aids in development of muscular strength, efficient metabolism and in preventing heart & kidney disorders. It monitors blood pressure and keeps anxiety and stress in check.
Selenium is an antioxidant and helps maintain health. Healthy levels of selenium prevent any type of cancer. It is also used to cure asthma, joint pains and acne.
The Human body uses traces of Chromium to balance blood sugar. It also helps in regulating hunger. Chromium controls fat deposition and maintains the cholesterol level in the blood.
Copper enables proper growth and helps in energy reproduction. It keeps the eyes and hair healthy. It monitors the rhythm of the heart and heals wounds faster.
Zinc helps in proper functioning of the immune and reproductive system . It controls diabetes and helps in weight loss.
The right amount of Fluoride in drinking water helps protect teeth against decay.
Iodine is important for the normal growth and development of the body. Iodine regulated the normal functioning of the thyroid glands, which control the basic body metabolism.
Oxygen is carried to the blood cells by Iron.
In addition to the above, water is the major part of the sweat, tears and saliva. It helps to moisten the eyes, mouth and nasal passages. It regulates the body temperature, keeps it cool. Water also acts as a shock absorber to cushion the body’s organs. It lubricates joints so that you can move without any pain.
The importance of water for humans can aptly be summed by the fact that we can survive without food and sunshine for almost seven days at a stretch, but not without water.
Thus it is absolutely important for all of us to drink the right amount of water to maintain the equilibrium in our systems.
But what is the right amount of water intake that is essential for a human body?
We need to drink around 6 to 7 glasses of water every day (2)!
Deficiency of water in children largely causes dehydration resulting in headaches, irritability and sleepiness. Lack of water is likely to pose serious threats to the natural process of growth.
For adults, deficiency of water results in a major lack of concentration and fatigue. It leads to dehydration which in turn leads to extra stress and poor performance at all activities. Joint and back pains can also be due to lack of water.
Inadequate water intake in the elderly can lead to joint pains, sore muscles and high body temperature. In old age, the kidney doesn’t function efficiently; hence the chances of dehydration are high.
In pregnant women, water helps transport the essential nutrients to the baby. Lack of water can result in severe complications. Thicker blood without water can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular problems.
In addition to the correct quantity of water, it is essential that the water you and your family drink is 100% pure. Intake of impure water can severely affect well being.