What is the Worth of Water?

I know I get thirsty, but why?  Why on earth do I need to drink water?  Here I have been going throughout my ENTIRE life not knowing why I drink water, besides to prevent dehydration.  But what is dehydration, and why is it bad for me? Hmm?????? (If  you are not really that curious, play along ;) )

You would be amazed to know all the places inside of you that contain water.  There is water in your individual cells, between your cells, in your blood, eyes, spinal chord, brain, joints, and digestive system, and that's just the beginning!

You probably have heard before that your body is between 50-75% water (by weight). But, you are constantly losing water too.  For example, you lose water when you sweat, breathe, or go to the bathroom.  So, you need to put into your body at least as much water as you put out.  You need approximately 10 cups of water each day.  You probably get about two cups from the food you eat, so it is recommended that you drink 8 cups of water each day.

To some of you that may sound ridiculous, but I have a solution.  Carry a water bottle around with you everywhere you go.  You should drink at least 4 bottles full of water (refill it rather than drink 4 individual bottles.  It will save you money).  Drink more if you are losing more water then usual (excess sweating, breathing, or using the bathroom).

Good ol' refillable water bottles are the best :)

Why is it so dangerous to not have enough water in your body?  I'll map it out for you:

• You need water to: maintain blood volume, transport nutrients and oxygen, metabolize food for energy, lubricate joints, form internal body fluids, regulate body temperature, and remove waste.
• Without water, you quickly develop negative side-effects, including dry mouth and skin, fatigue, muscle weakness, concentrated urine, headache and dizziness.  These occur because you body is trying to conserve water for the most important functions.
• If not treated, dehydration will progress to kidney failure, seizures, delirium, coma, and even death. Your body cannot survive for long without water because your blood volume will decrease, making it more concentrated.  This will hurt all of your organs (blood runs through them all) but especially your heart (blood pressure decreases and heart rate increases). 

So, a word to the wise.  Drink up until you're not thirsty.  If you feel thirsty, you are already becoming dehydrated.  Pay extra care to infants and the elderly, because their bodies are not typically very good at detecting thirst, so they may become dehydrated easily. 

-Kamie

Facts from Wardlaw's Perspectives in Nutrition, 8th Edition (a college textbook).