Article by- Dr S P Pradhan on 18th June, 2023
Water is life and life is water. Water is indispensable for healthy life. The cell growth, survival depends on water. Our body constitutes about 60% of water. We cannot imagine a life without water. It not only quenches our thirst, but also involved in many biochemical process and metabolism. Let’s discuss one by one about the enormous role of water in our body.
- Water is a major constituent of our body parts. All cells, tissues and organs are made up of water. About 60% of body parts are made up of water. It comprises from 75% body weight from infants to 55 % in elderly.
- It helps in cell growth, rejuvenation and survival.
- Water helps in elimination of toxic products from our body in form of urine, sweating and breathing.
- It helps in regulation of body temperature.
- Water is a very essential part of blood and circulatory system. More than 70% of circulatory system is water.
- It delivers oxygen to the tissues. In this say, it has a very important role to play in cell survival and rejuvenation.
- It helps in formation of neurotransmitters and hormones.
- Water is a major constituent of synovial fluid. It helps in joint movement and mobility.
- Brain and spinal cord have cerebrospinal fluid or CSF. CSF acts like a shock absorber. It regulates the pressure inside brain and spinal cord.
- It helps in flushing of urinary tract. If we drink very less amount of water, it increases the chance of urinary tract infections or UTI.
- Water is a major constituent of digestive juice. It aids in digestion.
- The biochemical and enzymatic reactions involve water. It is involved in cellular metabolism.
The minimum daily requirement of of water is about 3 litres in case of men and 2.7 litres in case of women. However, the daily requirement is individualized depending on some external factors. Hot climates, exercise, high fiber diet, intake of caffeinated products and alcohol may require additional water intake.
