why drinking water is very important

Introduction:

Drinking water is vital for human survival as it plays a crucial role in maintaining our body’s functions and hydration. It is recommended that adults consume at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily or about 2 liters, however, the amount may vary based on an individual’s age, gender, and physical activity level. In this article, we will be discussing the importance of drinking water, the recommended daily intake, the sources of drinking water, and the potential risks associated with drinking water.

Importance of Drinking Water

1: Hydration and Body Functions

Hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper function of the human body. When the body is properly hydrated, all of the systems and organs can function as they should. Some of the specific functions that are impacted by hydration include:

1. Temperature regulation: Water helps to regulate body temperature through sweating and respiration. When the body is dehydrated, it can become overheated, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
2. Blood flow: Blood is mostly made up of water and when the body is dehydrated, the blood can become thicker and more viscous. This can make it harder for the heart to pump blood through the body, leading to decreased oxygen and nutrient delivery to the cells.
3. Digestion: Water helps to break down food and flush out waste products in the body. Dehydration can lead to constipation and other digestive issues.
4. Brain function: The brain is made up of mostly water and dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
5. Joints and muscles: Water helps to lubricate the joints and muscles. Dehydration can lead to stiffness and muscle cramps.

Overall, it is important to make sure that the body is properly hydrated in order to maintain these vital functions. Drinking the recommended daily intake of water is one of the best ways to ensure proper hydration.

2: Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. The body needs water to function properly, and not getting enough can lead to a range of symptoms. The symptoms of dehydration can vary depending on the severity of the dehydration, but some common signs include:

1. Thirst: This is one of the first signs of dehydration and is a sign that the body needs more water.
2. Dry mouth and throat: As the body loses water, the mouth and throat can become dry and sticky.
3. Dark yellow urine: When the body is dehydrated, the urine becomes concentrated and dark in color.
4. Fatigue: Dehydration can cause fatigue, as the body lacks the fluids needed to function properly.
5. Dizziness or lightheadedness: Dehydration can cause blood volume to decrease, which can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness.
6. Dry skin: Dehydration can cause the skin to lose elasticity and become dry and flaky.
7. Headaches: Dehydration can cause headaches, as the brain is mostly made up of water.
8. Constipation: Dehydration can cause constipation, as water is needed to break down food and flush out waste products.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to drink water and rehydrate as soon as possible. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to more serious complications such as heat stroke, kidney failure, and even death. So, it is important to pay attention to the signs and drink water regularly to prevent dehydration

Recommended Daily Intake

1: Factors that Affect Daily Water Needs

The recommended daily intake of water is eight 8-ounce glasses or about 2 liters, however, this amount can vary based on several factors. Some of the factors that can affect an individual’s daily water needs include:

1. Age: As people get older, their bodies may become less efficient at holding onto water, making it more important for older adults to drink more water to stay hydrated.
2. Gender: Men generally need more water than women due to their larger muscle mass.
3. Weight: People who weigh more generally need more water than those who weigh less.
4. Climate: People who live in hot or humid climates need to drink more water to stay hydrated due to increased sweating.
5. Physical activity: People who are physically active need to drink more water to replace the fluids lost through sweating.
6. Illness or health conditions: People with certain health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease may need to drink more water to maintain proper hydration.
7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to drink more water to support the growth and development of the fetus or baby.

It’s important to pay attention to these factors and to drink enough water to stay hydrated. Drinking water regularly throughout the day, and especially before, during, and after physical activity can help you stay hydrated. Drinking water when you are thirsty is a good way to gauge your water needs, but it’s also important to drink water regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty.

2: Signs of Overhydration

While it is important to stay hydrated, it is also possible to drink too much water, a condition known as overhydration or water intoxication. Overhydration occurs when the kidneys are unable to excrete the excess water, leading to a dilution of the electrolytes in the blood, particularly sodium. This can cause a condition called hyponatremia, which can be dangerous if left untreated.

Some common signs and symptoms of overhydration include:

1. Nausea and vomiting: Consuming too much water can cause nausea and vomiting as the stomach struggles to process the excess fluid.
2. Swelling: Overhydration can cause swelling in the hands, feet, and face as the excess water can accumulate in the tissues.
3. Confusion or disorientation: Overhydration can cause confusion and disorientation as the brain swells and the electrolyte balance is disrupted.
4. Fatigue: Overhydration can cause fatigue as the body struggles to process the excess water.
5. Headaches: Overhydration can cause headaches as the brain swells and the pressure inside the skull increases.
6. Breathing difficulties: Overhydration can cause shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid.

It’s important to be aware of these signs and symptoms, as overhydration can be dangerous and even life-threatening in severe cases. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. To avoid overhydration, it’s important to drink water according to your body’s needs and not force yourself to drink more than you need.

Sources of Drinking Water

1: Tap Water

Tap water is water that is provided to homes and buildings through a system of pipes and treatment facilities. It is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States and similar organizations in other countries. Tap water is sourced from surface water such as rivers and lakes or from underground sources like wells. The water is treated to remove impurities and pathogens before being distributed to homes and buildings. Some of the treatment methods include sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. The tap water provided to consumers is safe to drink, but it is important to check local water reports or contact the water supplier to ensure the quality of the water.

2: Bottled Water

Bottled water is water that is packaged in plastic or glass containers and sold for consumption. It can come from a variety of sources, including springs, wells, or municipal water supply.

Spring water is collected from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. Mineral water is water that contains at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids (TDS), which are minerals and trace elements that give the water its characteristic taste.

Purified water is water that is treated to remove impurities, such as dissolved solids and bacteria, using methods like reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization.

Distilled water is water that has been purified through distillation, which involves heating the water to create steam, which is then collected and cooled to create pure water.

There are also other types of water such as sparkling water, which is water that has been carbonated, and flavored water, which is water that has been infused with natural or artificial flavors.

It is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and similar organizations in other countries. While it is generally considered safe to drink, it can be more expensive than tap water and the environmental impact of producing and disposing of plastic bottles is a concern. It is always recommended to check the label to ensure that the water is coming from a reliable source and is safe for consumption.

Risks Associated with Drinking Water

1: Contaminants in Tap Water

Contaminants in tap water can include various types of pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals. Some common contaminants found in tap water include:

• Microorganisms: such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses.
• Inorganic contaminants: such as lead, copper, mercury, and arsenic, can be naturally occurring or can come from industrial or agricultural sources.
• Organic chemicals: such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial solvents can come from agricultural and industrial sources.
• Disinfection by-products: such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids can form when disinfectants used to treat drinking water react with naturally occurring organic matter.
• Radionuclides: such as radium and uranium can occur naturally in some groundwater sources.

It’s important to note that not all tap water contains all these contaminants and the levels of these contaminants vary depending on the source of the water and the treatment methods used. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) set standards for drinking water quality to protect public health. However, it’s always a good idea to check your local water quality reports and to be aware of any potential contamination issues in your area.

2: Waterborne Illnesses

Waterborne illnesses are illnesses that are caused by drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water. Some common waterborne illnesses include:

• Gastrointestinal illnesses: such as diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites found in contaminated water.
• Legionnaires’ disease: a type of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, which can be found in water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and showerheads.
• Hepatitis A: a viral infection of the liver that can be spread through contaminated water or food.
• Cryptosporidiosis: a diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium, which can be found in surface water and is resistant to chlorine disinfection.
• Giardiasis: a diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Giardia, which can be found in surface water and is resistant to chlorine disinfection.
• Amoebiasis: a diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which is found in surface water and is resistant to chlorine disinfection

It’s important to note that waterborne illnesses are preventable by treating and disinfecting water properly, and by providing adequate sanitation and hygiene. People should also be careful about drinking water from untreated sources, such as lakes and rivers, and should be aware of the risk of waterborne illnesses in areas affected by floods or other natural disasters.

Conclusion:

Drinking water is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is important to consume the recommended daily intake and make sure that the water we drink is safe and clean. By understanding the importance of hydration and the potential risks associated with drinking water, we can make informed decisions about our water consumption. It is also important to note that it is essential to check the water source and ensure that it is safe to drink, whether it is tap water or bottled water. With proper knowledge and care, we can ensure that we have access to clean and safe drinking water.