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Why do we need so much water?

Are you dehydrated?

What percentage of your body is water?

Most people in developed countries are.  Our bodies are around 70% water so it takes very little water loss to become dehydrated.  
People feel thirsty when they have already lost around 2-3% of their body's water. Mental performance and physical coordination start to become impaired before thirst kicks in, typically around 1% dehydration.

According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158:

  • the brain and heart are composed of 73% water

  • the lungs are about 83% water

  • the skin contains 64% water

  • muscles and kidneys are 79% water

  • the bones are 31% water.

Water serves a number of essential functions to keep us all going:

  • A vital nutrient to the life of every cell, acts first as a building material.

  • It regulates our internal body temperature by sweating and respiration

  • The carbohydrates and proteins that our bodies use as food are metabolized and transported by water in the bloodstream;

  • It assists in flushing waste mainly through urination

  • acts as a shock absorber for brain, spinal cord, and fetus

  • forms saliva

  • lubricates joints

 

How does the body use water?

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