Why Clean Water Is Vital To Health?

By Chandrasekaran Rajamani

People attach more importance to clean food than clean drinking water because we take water for granted. Water is essential for the survival of all forms of life and human beings are not an exception. Our health depends on the water we drink and we can not live without water for more than a few days. About 70% of the body is made up of water so it is an important factor that decides our health.

Unlike some plant species that can store water, animals including humans can not store water hence need frequent replenishment. The body loses water due to sweating, urination and even breathing. If this water loss is not made good, the body suffers dehydration. The symptoms of dehydration are lethargy, headaches, mood changes, slow responses, dry or cracked lips, dry nasal passage, dark-colored urine, weakness, tiredness, confusion and hallucinations. Prolonged dehydration if not treated, becomes life threatening and may lead to death.

The body not only loses water during urination but also water soluble vitamins such as vitamin B, vitamin C, B complex vitamins and other important body fluids. Whenever you consume alcohol, make sure you consume more water than usual. A healthy body needs 8 glasses of water per day to meet it's needs. This differs slightly from person to person depending on climate, activity level, type of food intake and situation such as pregnancy. Consumption alcohol and other beverages increases urine output since these drinks stimulate kidneys to produce more urine contributing to the loss of body water.

Every cell in the body needs water for it's survival. Water is the main ingredient of body fluids that are used for transportation of nutrients to the individual cells and also for the removal of waste products from the cells. Without water, these cells will starve affecting their function and choke in their own excrement. With proper water intake these, cells are nourished and function to their full capacity thereby improving the overall health of the body.

It helps in keeping the blood fit enough to flow through blood vessels and also helps in removing the waste byproducts of the body's metabolism. Water also helps to flush out toxins, lubricate and cushion joints, regulate body temperature through sweating, and carry nutrients and oxygen to the body's cells. So water is crucial in maintaining the health and the functioning of every cell in the body.

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