Transcript The Importance Water - Dublin City Schools

Importance of Water
Basic Nutrients Unit
The Importance of Water
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It is necessary for an individual to drink 6-8 cups of water
daily and more if participating in sports or exercising.
Water is the most critical nutrient for sustaining life.
Two-thirds of the human body is water.
Water makes up 60% of your total body weight and 70%
of your muscles; raw meat is about 75% water and fruits
and vegetables up to 95% water.
It may take us weeks to starve, but only a very few days
to dehydrate. About 3/4 of our water is contained within
individual cells.
Of the rest, most is fluid surrounding the cells, with a
small amount in the blood plasma.
The Importance of Water
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Outside the cells, water is a means of
transporting nutrients and wastes, a physical
cushion, a lubricant.
When exhaled or perspired, water removes
excess heat energy from the body.
Within the cell, it is the solvent in which all
chemical interactions occur.
Water is not represented on My Pyramid
because the U.S.D.A. assumes people in the
United States will drink adequate amounts of
water.
Adequate hydration is important for normal
health and for increased activity.
The Importance of Water
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Man is the only animal that will restrict fluid
intake.
Thirst is one way your body tell you to drink
water, however if you are thirsty, you are already
dehydrated.
Beverages containing caffeine are also
dehydrating.
Fluid replacement products are promoted as
sources of fluid as well as sodium, potassium
and carbohydrates.
Functions of Water in the Body
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Water is needed in the body for many reasons.
Water is used to move nutrients through the
digestive tract. Water acts as a diluter. Without
sufficient water, fiber does not work. Fiber absorbs
water thus allowing waste products to move freely
through the digestive tract, and thus preventing toxic
waste from accumulating. The more fiber and water
you consume, the better for your digestive tract.
Water is a heat regulator. It helps the body
temperature to stay the same, dissipating body heat
through sweat.
Functions of Water in the Body
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Water is needed to remove and waste
products. It is the main constituent of urine.
Urine is the primary route for cell waste
elimination.
Water helps cushion and lubricate body
joints. It protects key organs, like the brain.
Water also has a role in senses: fluid in the
eyes for vision, fluid in the ears for hearing,
fluids for taste and smell to function.
Functions of Water in the Body
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Depending on the climate where you live, your body
requires 6-8 cups of water a day. Our bodies get
fluids from what we drink, and foods we eat.
When the body loses water, dehydration occurs,
stressing the heart and blood vessels and
increasing the heart rate and body temperature.
Water is stored in several body compartments and
moves back and forth between them. 60-70% of
body fluid is found in body cells.