An average adult body is made up of 60% water which is why it is important to stay well hydrated. The brain is approximately 75% water. Blood plasma is approximately 91% water. Muscle is approximately 75% water.
Here are some of the main roles of water within the body:
· Regulates body temperature - water has a high heat capacity which lets the body adapt to changes in environmental temperatures. The body will begin to sweat if it gets too hot, the evaporation process of sweat from the skin is cooling for the body.
· Protects tissues and joints - water is a large component of lubricating fluids throughout the body which help to protect tissues. Fluids allow internal organs to slide over one another, aid in digestion, support the mucosal lining of the lungs, help to hydrate joints, hydrates the eyes, etc.
· Dissolves and transports minerals, nutrients and waste - water is a solvent and can dissolve many substances. Blood plays a large part in transportation of minerals, nutrients and waste, blood is made up of 45% formed elements (blood cells) and 55% plasma which as stated above is approximately 91% water.
· Waste removal - once waste products are dissolved they can be flushed out of the body via the kidneys in urine.
· Metabolic reactions - water is the medium used for most chemical reactions in the body. Metabolism is the sum of all chemical processes that happen in the body which allow us to maintain life. For example the breaking down of food, carbohydrates, fats and proteins so the body can make energy and use amino acids for growth.
So as you can see water plays important roles in the major systems of the body, being just 2% dehydrated can have an effect on focus, short term memory, performance and energy levels.
Hydration levels depend upon the environment you are in , your activity level and your body. Health experts recommend 2 litres of water a day for adults. A good way to know if you are drinking enough is to check the colour of your urine it should be clear or pale yellow colour, if it is dark you probably need to drink more.
Keeping hydrated can help support your body to work optimally which is why I will advise you to keep well hydrated after a treatment.
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