Water and the human body

Water is the main component of blood. If we drink too little, our blood cannot flow properly.
Water is a means of transport, for example for blood, urine and sweat. Importantly, water also acts as a solvent for nearly all substances in cells.

When water evaporates on the body’s surface, heat is released. This is the way the body regulates its temperature.

The body releases large amounts of fluids every day. In order to maintain an ideal amount of fluids, drinking must countervail these losses.

For our health, drinking correctly and sufficiently is just as important as correct alimentation. A human can live up to a month without food, yet only a few days without drinking!

What is “thirst”, anyway?

The term describes a feeling we get, but it is also said that thirst is result of when the body has lost approximately 0,5 % of its weight in water.

Losing more than 15 % of our weight in water can be deadly.

If we just drink too little, the whole body is badly supplied. Warning signals can be headaches, nausea, thirst, lack of appetite and a dry mouth. When the mucous membrane in our throats and noses dries out, the immune system may be weakened.

The performance of our brains and our ability to concentrate decrease. The short time memory is affected. We feel tired sooner. The heart must pump stronger and consequently faster. The risk of suffering from a stroke especially increases for elderly people..

The body’s water saving function.

If we don’t drink enough, our bodies’ start a “water saving programme”.

The blood circulation through the skin and secretion of sweat and urine are reduced. Digestion can be hindered, as the contents of the intestines lack fluids.

Especially in the heat of the summer, kidney stones can form. The body needs to be supplied with enough water when it is losing it in the form of sweat.

The amount of water in the skin is reduced in order to prevent evaporation.

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