Diet - water

Alternative names
Water in diet; H2O

Definition
Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen; it is the basis for the fluids of the body.

Function

Water makes up more than two-thirds of the weight of the human body. Without water, humans would die in a few days. All the cells and organs need water to function.

Water serves as a lubricant and is the basis of saliva and the fluids surrounding the joints. Water regulates the body temperature through perspiration. It also helps prevent and alleviate constipation by moving food through the intestinal tract.

Food Sources
Some of the water in our body is obtained through foods we eat (those that are 85-95% water), and some is the by-product of metabolism. But drinking water is our main, and best, source of water. We also obtain water through liquid foods and beverages, such as soup, milk, and juices. Alcoholic beverages and beverages containing caffeine (such as coffee, tea, and colas) are not the best choices because they have a diuretic (water-excreting) effect.

Side Effects
If adequate water is not consumed on a daily basis the body fluids will be out of balance, causing life-threatening dehydration.

Recommendations

Six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water, or half of the body weight in ounces, are recommended on a daily basis. For example, if you weight 140 pounds, you will need to drink 70 ounces of water.

Milk, juice, and soup should not be substituted for the entire water requirement. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages (due to their diuretic effect) would not be appropriate substitutes at all. Carrying a water bottle and drinking at regular intervals will help you obtain the recommended amount of water.

Medical Encyclopedia
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 0-9

What health info have you recently searched for online? Disease or condition Exercise or fitness Diet, nutrition or vitamins None of the above

Obese teen had to be cut from home in U.K.
    - Full Story - - »»»

State tobacco prevention funding lacking
    - Full Story - - »»»

C-Section Babies Face High Obesity Risk
    - Full Story - - »»»

Scientists turn skin cells into beating heart muscle
    - Full Story - - »»»

Too many people get angioplasties, study suggests
    - Full Story - - »»»

Comparing Birth Control Pill Types
    - Full Story - - »»»

Viewers’ family background affects how they react to MTV shows ‘16 and Pregnant,’ ‘Teen Mom’
    - Full Story - - »»»