Water and its importance in human beings

Introduction:
Water is the most important component in the body, not only for survival but also for functioning
well. It makes up about 60% of the total body weight of a healthy adult, though it does vary with
age, sex, and the makeup of one's body. Its functions include serving as a medium for all kinds of
chemical reactions within the human body, regulating body temperature, and the elimination of
wastes from the body. This research describes the role of water in the human body, the
compartments of fluids, the mechanisms of fluid balance, and consequences of both dehydration
and overhydration.

Water’s Role in the Body:

Water has various important physiological functions. It is a medium, or solvent, for nutrients and
waste products transported throughout the body. Water helps with enzymatic digestion of food
and is the fluid within cells that provides chemical reactions. It also cushions organs such as the
eyes and maintains blood volume, transportation, circulation, and lubrication to joints.
Additionally, water carries waste and helps maintain body temperature by distributing heat from
the core to the periphery via sweating.

In addition to its functional roles, water acts as a protector and lubricant of tissues and joints, by
cushioning organs from shock or other forms of mechanical injury. Proper fluid intake is also
essential in the brain, where poor concentration and memory result due to slight dehydration of
this vital organ. Water intake is not limited to the simple consumption of fluids but also includes
foods and metabolic processes. About 10% of the body's water needs may be supplied from
metabolic reactions that produce water as a product.
Fluid Compartments in the Body:

In an adult, two main compartments divide the total body water: one, the intracellular fluid, and
the other, the extracellular fluid. About two-thirds of the water is intracellular (within the cells -
ICF), and a third of it is within the extracellular compartment (outside the cells - ECF). The
extracellular compartment itself is further subdivided into the interstitial fluid (the fluid between
the cells) and the intravascular fluid, which is blood plasma.

A small fraction of water also exists within specialized compartments, such as cerebrospinal
fluid and synovial fluid, called transcellular fluids. These fluid compartments maintain a
dynamic balance that is important for homeostasis. For example, water shifts between the
intracellular and extracellular spaces to maintain osmotic balance. Such fluid shifts are vital in
cases of dehydration or overhydration, where water must be moved between compartments to
reestablish a balance.
Regulation of Water Balance:

The two major hormones involved in the regulation of water balance are antidiuretic hormone
and aldosterone. Antidiuretic hormone affects the kidneys' water reabsorption. When a person
becomes dehydrated, ADH is produced by the body, thereby signaling the body to reduce urine
output. Aldosterone, which is considered part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
(RAAS), helps alter electrolyte balance and sodium reabsorption, indirectly helping to regulate
water levels.

Water is lost through urine, sweating, respiration, and stool. The renal excretion of a healthy
adult is approximately 1.5 liters of water per day. Besides urinary excretion, insensible losses
due to respiration and perspiration contribute around 500-800 milliliters of fluid loss daily.
Intake primarily occurs through water and foods, making it essential to ensure adequate intake to
compensate for daily losses.
Effects of Dehydration and Overhydration:

Dehydration occurs when the loss of water exceeds intake. Some signs and symptoms include
thirst, dryness of the skin, dizziness, and impaired mental performance. Dehydration leads to
acute fluid loss, which can result in electrolyte imbalances, lower blood pressure, and shock,
threatening critical organs such as the kidneys, brain, and heart. It commonly occurs due to
illness, physical exertion, or exposure to high temperatures, where hydration is especially
critical.

On the other hand, overhydration, also known as water intoxication, happens when too much
water dilutes the body’s electrolytes, especially sodium, resulting in hyponatremia. This
condition impairs brain function and, in severe cases, can lead to seizures, coma, or death.
Athletes or people who consume excess water without replenishing lost electrolytes are
particularly vulnerable to developing hyponatremia.
Maintaining Optimal Hydration:
Maintaining good hydration requires balancing water intake and output. Daily water
recommendations vary depending on individual needs, but the general guideline is about 3.7
liters for men and 2.7 liters for women, including both food and drink sources. During exercise,
illness, or exposure to heat, water needs increase to offset higher losses.

Monitoring signs of hydration, such as thirst, urine color, and well-being, helps maintain the
proper fluid balance. Special attention is needed for children, the elderly, and athletes, who must
adjust their intake to avoid dehydration or overhydration. Ensuring fluid balance promotes better
health, physical performance, and recovery.

Resources:
• Wikipedia on Body Water
• Wikipedia on Body Fluids
• Wikipedia on Fluid Balance
• Composition of the Human Body
• Fluid Compartments in the Body