WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU DIDN'T DRINK WATER?

 

Water is virtually everywhere, from soil moisture and ice caps, to the cells inside  our own bodies. Depending on factors like location, fat index, age and sex the average human is between 55-60% water. At birth, human babies are even wetter. Being 75% water, they are swimmingly similar to fish. But their water composition drops to 65% by their first birthday.

So what role does water play in your bodies, and how much do we actually need to drink to stay healthy?  The H2O in our bodies works to cushion and lubricate joints, regulate temperature, and to nourish the brain and spinal cord.

Water isnt only in our blood. An adults brain and heart are almost three quarters water. Thats roughly equivalent to the amount of moisture in a banana. Lungs are more similar to an apple at 83%. And even seemingly dry human bones are 31% water. If we are essentially made of water, and surrounded by water, why do we still need to drink so much? Well each day we lost two three litres through our sweat,urine, and bowel moments and even just from breathing.

While these functions are essential to our survival, we need to compensate for the fluid loss. Maintaining a balanced water level is essential to avoid dehydration  or over hydration, both of which can have devastating effects on overall health. At first detection of low water levels, sensory receptors in the brain's hypothalamus signal the release of antidiuretic hormones. When it reached the kidneys, it creats aquaporins, special channels that enable blood to absorb and retain more water, leading to concentrated, dark urine. Increased dehydration can cause notabe drops in energy, mood, skin moisture, and blood pressure  as well as signs of cognitive imoairment. A dehydrated brain works harder to accomplish the same amountas a normal brain, and it eveb temporarily shrinks because of its lack of water. 

Over hydration or hyponatremia, is usually caused by overconsumption of water in a short amount of time. Athletes are often the victims of over hydration because of complications in regulating water levels in extreme physical conditions. Whereas the dehydrated brain amps up the production of antidiuretic hormone, the over hydrated brain slows, or even stops, releasing it into the blood. 

Sodium electrolytes in the body become diluted, causing cells to swell. In severe cases, the kidney cant keep up with the resulting volumes of dilute urine. Water intoxication then occurs, possibly causing headache, vomiting, and in rare instances, seizures or death. But thats a pretty extreme situation.

On a normal day to day basis, maintaining a well hydrated system is easy to manage for those of us fortunate enough to have access to clean drinking water. For a long time, conventional wisdom said that we should drink eight glasses a day. That estimate has since been fine turned. Now the consensus is that the amount if water we need to imbibe depends largely on our weight and environment. The recommended daily intake varies from between 2.5 -  3.7 litres of water for men, and about 2 - 2.7  litres for woman, a range that is pushed up or down if we are healthy, active, old or overheating. While water is the healthiest hydeator, other beverages, even those with caffeine like coffee or tea, replenish fluids as well.

And water within food makes up about a fifth of our daily H2O intake. Friuts and vegetables like strawberries, cucumbers, and even broccoli are over 90% water, and can supplement liquid intake while providing valuable nutruents and fiber.

Drinking well might also have various long term benefits. Studies have shown that optimal hydration can lower the chance of stroke, help manage diabetes, and potentially reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

No matter what, getting the right amount of liquid makes a world of difference in how you'll feel, think, and function day to day.