Table of contentsSummaryIntroductionFunction(s) of waterWater and weight lossWater and quitting smokingWater deficiencyWater toxicityImplications for health promotion and disease preventionConclusionsReferencesSummary How much water we actually need depends on the functions of water and the mechanisms of daily water balance regulation. The objective of this review is to describe the functions of the water balance and to highlight new recommendations regarding water requirements. Water plays many roles in the human body. It acts as a building material; as solvent, reaction medium and reagent; as a carrier of nutrients and waste; In thermoregulation; and as a lubricant and shock absorber. The regulation of water balance is very precise, since a loss of 1% of body water is generally compensated within 24 hours. Water consumption and water losses are controlled to achieve water balance. Minute changes in plasma osmolarity are the main factors that trigger these homeostatic mechanisms. Healthy adults regulate fluid balance precisely, but young infants and the elderly are at greater risk of dehydration. Dehydration can affect consciousness and cause incoherence of speech, weakness of the extremities, hypotonia of the eyeballs, orthostatics and hypotension. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayHuman water requirements are not based on a minimum intake as they can lead to water deficit due to many factors that alter water needs (climate, physical activity, diet, etc.). Water requirements are based on experimentally calculated intake levels expected to meet the nutritional adequacy of a healthy population. Regulating fluid balance is essential for maintaining health and life. On average, a sedentary adult should drink 1.5 L of water per day, because water is the only liquid nutrient truly essential for hydration of the body.IntroductionWater is defined as an essential nutrient because it is necessary in quantities that exceed the body's capacity to produce it. All biochemical reactions occur in water. It fills spaces in and between cells and helps form structures of large molecules such as proteins and glycogen. Water is also necessary for digestion, absorption, transport, dissolution of nutrients, elimination of waste, and thermoregulation. Water makes up 60-80% of body weight, depending on lean body mass. On average, men have a higher lean body mass than women and a higher percentage of body mass as water than women. Relative water mass decreases in both men and women with age. Human water needs are linked to metabolic needs and are highly variable. They depend to some extent on individual metabolism. Water is essential to life and nutritional health. Humans can live several weeks without food, but we can only survive a few days without water. Water makes up a large percentage of the body, in muscles, fat cells, blood and even bones. Every cell, tissue and organ needs water to function properly. Water carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, provides a medium for chemical reactions, helps remove waste, helps maintain a constant body temperature, and maintains the tissues of the skin, mouth, eyes and wet nose. Function ofwater(s) Water, as mentioned earlier, is an essential nutrient. This nutrient has many functions throughout the body and without it you would die. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function properly. You could survive longer without food than without water. Your body makes up 60-70% of your body weight, depending on other factors. The list of water functions is quite long considering that it plays a role in every system of the body. Water helps regulate our body temperature, protects and cushions our vital organs, humidifies oxygen for optimal lung function, helps the liver eliminate waste, transports nutrients and oxygen to cells and much more. Take a look at the figure below for more functions of water. Water should be consumed daily in the recommended amount based on your weight. Water and Weight Loss Switching to drinking water will help boost your metabolism, which in turn will help you lose weight. Water is also said to be an appetite suppressant, so you don't eat as much food. The next time you eat, drink water first and you will eat less food. Water also helps you cleanse your body of waste. When your body is dehydrated, it cannot burn fat. Water and quitting smoking As we have already mentioned, water aids digestion. Smokers often experience constipation when trying to quit smoking. People who quit smoking are also encouraged to exercise, which requires drinking water to stay hydrated. Keeping your hands busy when you have a sudden urge to smoke is very helpful and drinking water improves alertness and the ability to concentrate. Water DeficiencyDehydration is a deficiency of water in the body. Dehydration, if severe enough, can be fatal. As dehydration sets in in the body, the amount of fluid in the body obviously decreases. This leads to decreased blood flow to vital organs, including the kidneys. People at risk of dehydration include athletes, people living at higher altitudes, and the elderly. Surprisingly, 75% of Americans are currently dehydrated. If you lack water, you are at higher risk of urinary tract infection. We now talk more about the importance of water. Some of the common causes of dehydration include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination due to medical conditions such as diabetes, taking medications that make you urinate, and excessive sweating. These should only be considered causes if they are excessive, but sweating and urinating normally is perfectly acceptable. Mild to moderate symptoms include severe thirst, dry mouth, and decreased urination. Symptoms of severe dehydration include dizziness, fainting, shock, confusion, fainting, death, rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing. Water Toxicity Water intoxication is the disruption of brain functions due to excessive water consumption. Water intoxication results from cell swelling. Excessive fluid buildup in the brain is called cerebral edema. People at risk for water intoxication include soldiers, endurance sports athletes, and schizophrenia patients. Water intoxication is rare, but is now being addressed because some people simply know that water is good for you, not that there is a limit to how much you should consume. Water intoxication