FUNCTIONS, SOURCES AND DEFICIENCY OF WATER IN OUR BODY

 Introduction

Water is second only to oxygen in its vital importance to the body. One can live without food for a longer time than one does without water.

Our body contains about 65% water. An infant's body contains more water than that of an adult. A thin person has a higher percent of water than fat person. Men have more water than women. 

Dehydration is nothing but depletion of water in the body. A 10% loss of body water causes very serious symptoms while 20% loss often results in death.

Functions of Water

1. Water is more important than food. In the human body it is found as intracellular fluids and also around organs as extracellular fluid and between the cells as intercellular fluids. 

2. It acts as a solvent in all stages of digestion. We feel more thirsty after a meal.

3. It keeps nutrients in solution form so that they may be absorbed through the intestinal walls.

4. It transport nutrients through blood to all tissues.

5. It acts as a vehicle for the waste products which are excreted either through bowels or through the kidneys.

6. It is a lubricant and prevents friction between the moving parts. Saliva in mouth helps us in swallowing food. The fluids around joints, mucous secretions of the gastrointestinal tract, the genito-urinary and respiratory tracts are some other examples.

7. Water regulates body temperature through evaporation from the lungs and skin.

Sources of Water

The body has three sources of water. Besides drinking water, the following are the sources of water.

1. The water contained in food, e.g. fruits and vegetables contains 80-90% water. Milk contains 80-88%. Flour, crackers and bread contain 5-35%. Meats contain 40-75% water.

2. In addition to water, ingested fluids such as kheer, soups and beverages, also supply essential minerals and vitamins.

3. Metabolic water is formed by the metabolism of food in the body. It may amount to about 450 ml per day.

To ensure adequate fluid intake, at least 5-6 glasses and preferably 6-8 glasses of water or other beverages should be taken daily.

Deficiency of Water

Dehydration results in extreme deficiencies of water and fluids. Symptoms of dehydration are fatigue, headache, sullenness and in extreme cases, collapse.

The steps in the progression of dehydration are as follows:

1. Thirst.

2. Stronger thirst, vague discomfort, loss of appetite.

3. Decreasing blood volume, impaired physical performance.

4. Increased efforts of physical work, nausea.

5. Difficulty in concentrating.

6. Failure to regulate excess temperature.

7. Dizziness, laboured breathing with exercise, increased weakness.

8. Muscles spasms, delirium and wakefulness.

9. Inability of decreased blood volume to circulate normally

10. Failing renal function, less or no urine formed.

Excessive loss of water take place due to vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, hot weather, etc..

It can be fatal and causes death in several children which could be easily avoided by proper fluid intake or oral rehydration therapy.

Conclusion

From above blog we conclude that water is very important for our body. And excessive loss of water can lead to death. So we have to take care of water intake as it is more important than food.