The importance of drinking water

Introduction

Water is the most important element in human life. No wonder 60% of body weight in men and 50% in women, is water. In the human body are distributed in three ways: within cells (intracellular), between cells (interstitial) and the fluid that circulates through the blood vessels (intravascular). Drinking water will make you stay healthy, it is essential for skin hydration, food transport and the regulation of body temperature.

Water functions in the body

Most bodily functions require a greater or lesser amount a certain amount of water. The gases and nutrients are transported into the body through water, and essential also for the excretory function in both urine and feces. Water also regulates body temperature, lubricates the joints between the bones and gives firmness and hydration to the tissues.

Quantities and dewatering

The water in relation to lipid-free body weight is 72% (almost three quarters of it). On average, the organism requires 2 to 2.5 liters of water, which comes to ingest fluid (1.2 liters), the food they eat (1 liter) and those produced from metabolism (350 ml .). The way to eliminate, in turn, is in the form of urine (about 1 liter per day), as sweat and feces and respiration.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a deficiency of fluids in the body. The consequences of this imbalance can range from mild to very severe and even death. Therefore, care should be observed when a possible dehydration box. Remember that losing 2% of total body water is also lost 20% of physical energy: the less water you have in your body the greater the energy loss and possible complications.

Dehydration symptoms

The main symptom of dehydration is thirst. However, it is important to note that this is not always true, since in some cases manifests the absence of thirst. There are other symptoms such as dryness of the lips, mucous membranes and skin, burning stomach, fatigue and physical fatigue and in severe cases, rapid pulse, sunken eyes, fluid retention and decrease in blood pressure.

Do not wait until thirsty to drink water

You should not restrict yourself only to thirst as an indicator of when to take or not take water. On average, an adult should drink about 2 liters per day, regardless of whether or not thirsty. This amount varies according to physical activity you perform, and physical exhaustion, in which case the amount will increase. If you do not get used to it, try always having a bottle of water and watch your consumption increases more and get used to this liquid.

When to take more water

Water consumption should increase especially when you do physical activity, and when states are hot and humid climate. Also pathological conditions such as fever, diarrhea and vomiting are losing large amounts of water body. For these cases should replace not only water but electrolytes lost with a homemade solution (water, a squeeze of lemon, a pinch of baking soda and sugar). Avoid fatty foods because they require more fluid for excretion.

Diuretics

Avoid diuretic drinks like alcohol, tea or coffee, which will increase the removal of water through the urine. You can not "quench thirst" with a glass of beer that is more frost. On the contrary, is always preferable, after consuming large quantities of these drinks, consume plenty of water also to balance the fluid loss.

Aging

The aging of all fabrics is closely linked to lack of hydration in these, in dry and agrietación. Large amount of water consumed hidratarás better your body, preventing the aging visible, especially in the case of the skin: a hydrated skin is less wrinkled. Significantly, over time, entering the third age, there may be a lack of thirst. This does not mean you should consume less water, on the contrary, the dose of 1.5 to 2 liters of water must be maintained unless medically indicated.

Fluid retention

There is also a metabolic disorder called "edema" or fluid retention. Blood vessels occurs when excessive discharging liquid on body tissues and this fluid is not recirculated. They are common in pregnancy, menopause, cases of obesity or varicose veins. For these cases should follow a diet provided by a qualified and physical activity to promote proper circulation of blood and body fluids.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception that if you consume too much water, it will be retained by the body. As mentioned before, this is a metabolic disorder, a healthy body does not retain water or liquids, but looking for ways to eliminate them when there is excess (urine, sweat, feces). It is true that going to saunas to lose weight is achieved: all are lost fluids and electrolytes should be replaced immediately. Also, it is clear that drinking water is not fattening, on the contrary, helps you lose weight, it helps to eliminate fats.