Osteoporosis Support Group

Human Water Consumption

Our bodies are about 60 percent water. Water regulates our body temperature, moves nutrients through our cells, keeps our mucous membranes moist and flushes waste from our bodies. Our brains are 70 percent water and our blood is more than 80 percent water. Simply put, we can't function without it. Most people sweat out about two cups of water per day (0.5 liters). Each day, we also lose a little more than a cup of water (237 ml) when we exhale we eliminate about (1.4 l) of water daily. We also lose electrolytes -- minerals like sodium and potassium that regulate the body's fluids. So how do we replace it? We can get about 20 percent of the water we need through the food we eat. Some foods, like watermelon, are nearly 100 percent water.

Although the amount of water that we need each day varies, it's usually about eight cups. But instead of worrying about getting in those eight cups, you should just drink when you start to feel thirsty. You can get your water by drinking other beverages -- but some beverages, like alcohol and soda pop can make you more dehydrated.

When you don't get enough water, or lose too much water, you become dehydrated. Signs of mild dehydration include dry mouth, excessive
thirst, dizziness, lightheadedness,leg cramps and weakness. If people don't get fluids at this point, they can experience severe dehydration, which can cause convulsions, rapid breathing, a weak pulse, loose skin and sunken eyes.

Ultimately, dehydration can lead to heart failure and death. Drinking pure water is accentual to good health and health maintenance.
Posted on 08/29/08, 03:08 pm