DOWNLOAD PDF ROLE OF WATER IN HUMAN BODY

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1 Chapter 1 : What Is the Role of Water in the Human Body? (with pictures) Water is one of very few vital needs for human beings. But what role does water play in our body? A healthy sedentary adult living in a temperate climate should drink at least liters of water per day 1. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in the renal system. They help the body pass waste as urine. They also help filter blood before sending it back to the heart. The kidneys perform many crucial functions, including: They take in blood, metabolize nutrients, and help pass out waste products from filtered blood. Each kidney has about 1 million nephrons. Each has its own internal set of structures. Renal corpuscle After blood enters a nephron, it goes into the renal corpuscle, also called a Malpighian body. The renal corpuscle contains two additional structures: This is a cluster of capillaries that absorb protein from blood traveling through the renal corpuscle. The remaining fluid, called capsular urine, passes through the Bowman capsule into the renal tubules. Renal tubules The renal tubules are a series of tubes that begin after the Bowman capsule and end at collecting ducts. Each tubule has several parts: This section absorbs water, sodium, and glucose back into the blood. This section further absorbs potassium, chloride, and sodium into the blood. This section absorbs more sodium into the blood and takes in potassium and acid. Renal cortex The renal cortex is the outer part of the kidney. It contains the glomerulus and convoluted tubules. The renal cortex is surrounded on its outer edges by the renal capsule, a layer of fatty tissue. Together, the renal cortex and capsule house and protect the inner structures of the kidney. The renal medulla is the smooth, inner tissue of the kidney. It contains the loop of Henle as well as renal pyramids. Renal pyramids Renal pyramids are small structures that contain strings of nephrons and tubules. These tubules transport fluid into the kidney. This fluid then moves away from the nephrons toward the inner structures that collect and transport urine out of the kidney. This is where filtered fluids exit the nephrons. Once in the collecting duct, the fluid moves on to its final stops in the renal pelvis. The renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped space in the innermost part of the kidney. It functions as a pathway for fluid on its way to the bladder Calyces The first part of the renal pelvis contains the calyces. These are small cup-shaped spaces that collect fluid before it moves into the bladder. This is also where extra fluid and waste become urine. Hilum The hilum is a small opening located on the inner edge of the kidney, where it curves inward to create its distinct beanlike shape. The renal pelvis passes through it, as well as the: This brings oxygenated blood from the heart to the kidney for filtration. This carries filtered blood from the kidneys back to the heart. Ureter The ureter is a tube of muscle that pushes urine into the bladder, where it collects and exits the body. Page 1

2 Chapter 2 : What Is the Purpose of Water & the Function It Provides for the Body? Healthy Eating SF Ga Water is the principal fluid of human body. It constitutes approximately 75 per cent of the total bodyweight. Almost all body fluids are present as water solutions. For example, blood contains 98 per cent water. The main functions of water inside the human body are given below: 1. Water acts as. Adequate hydration also keeps the body cool when temperatures rise and during physical activity. Water in the human body prevents constipation and keeps skin soft and supple. The lungs and mouth need water to function properly, while the joints use water as lubrication. Every cell in the body relies on water to dissolve chemicals, minerals, and nutrients to make them usable. If the blood lacks sufficient water, it might not flow freely and carry enough oxygen to organs and tissue. The skin might become dry and cracked when water intake falls below recommended levels. Water in the human body represents about 70 percent of the total weight of the brain. The blood is comprised of about 80 percent water, while the content in the lungs is about 90 percent water. Liquid is also used by fat, muscles, and bones to support optimal health. Water in the human body flushes bacteria from the bladder and might prevent formation of kidney stones. It also prevents constipation and carries waste from the body through feces. Ad Each day, water in the human body is lost through urine, perspiration, and respiration. It must be replaced daily because the body cannot store water for later use. Very active people, and those who live in hot climates, typically need more water because they often produce more sweat. The elderly might need to increase water intake because kidney functions change with age. An older adult might lose up to 2. It is estimated the elderly obtain half that amount each day through food. Dehydration can become a serious health risk, causing kidney failure. Symptoms include dark, yellow urine, headache, and lack of energy. The lips and skin might become dry, along with a dry mouth. By the time a person feels thirsty, dehydration might already exist, which might hinder concentration and the ability to perform mental or physical tasks. Most diets provide about half the necessary water in the human body. Nutritionists usually recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water a day to maintain health. These levels might be obtained from soups, fruit, teas, and other foods. Patients who use medications that increase urination might need to up their daily water intake. People suffering from fever, vomiting, or diarrhea might also quickly lose vital fluids. Page 2

3 Chapter 3 : The Role of Water in the Body Functions of water in the body. Nearly all of the major systems in your body depend on water. Watch a video about what the kidneys do. How do my kidneys work? Each of your kidneys is made up of about a million filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron includes a filter, called the glomerulus, and a tubule. The nephrons work through a two-step process: Each nephron has a glomerulus to filter your blood and a tubule that returns needed substances to your blood and pulls out additional wastes. Wastes and extra water become urine. The glomerulus filters your blood As blood flows into each nephron, it enters a cluster of tiny blood vesselsâ the glomerulus. The thin walls of the glomerulus allow smaller molecules, wastes, and fluidâ mostly waterâ to pass into the tubule. Larger molecules, such as proteins and blood cells, stay in the blood vessel. The tubule returns needed substances to your blood and removes wastes A blood vessel runs alongside the tubule. As the filtered fluid moves along the tubule, the blood vessel reabsorbs almost all of the water, along with minerals and nutrients your body needs. The tubule helps remove excess acid from the blood. The remaining fluid and wastes in the tubule become urine. How does blood flow through my kidneys? Blood flows into your kidney through the renal artery. This large blood vessel branches into smaller and smaller blood vessels until the blood reaches the nephrons. In the nephron, your blood is filtered by the tiny blood vessels of the glomeruli and then flows out of your kidney through the renal vein. Your blood circulates through your kidneys many times a day. In a single day, your kidneys filter about quarts of blood. Most of the water and other substances that filter through your glomeruli are returned to your blood by the tubules. Only 1 to 2 quarts become urine. Blood flows into your kidneys through the renal artery and exits through the renal vein. Your ureter carries urine from the kidney to your bladder. What are clinical trials, and are they right for you? Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. Find out if clinical trials are right for you. What clinical trials are open? Clinical trials that are currently open and are recruiting can be viewed at www. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings through its clearinghouses and education programs to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Page 3

4 Chapter 4 : Importance And Role Of Water In The Human Body Cheap Medicine Shop Water in the human body plays an essential role by carrying carbohydrates and protein through the blood and eliminating excess salt, minerals, and other substances. Adequate hydration also keeps the body cool when temperatures rise and during physical activity. Water is vital for life and is an essential nutrient. Essential nutrients are those that must be consumed regularly, as your body does not produce the amount needed without utilizing external sources in the form of dietary intake. Deprivation of water will kill an individual faster than being deprived of any other nutrient. This important liquid is a vital component of most major body processes. Lubricant A primary function of water is to serve as a lubricant. For example, it is found in saliva and is a substantial component in the fluid surrounding joints. Water is also in and surrounding body structures such as the brain, spinal cord and eyes. The water layer helps protect and cushion these vulnerable areas from shock and trauma that could otherwise cause significant damage. Body Temperature Regulation Water is an important agent in body temperature regulation. The human body cannot function unless this is maintained within a certain range. Water helps achieve this in two ways. Since water is slow to change temperature and is efficient at storing heat, the amount of water in the body composition, 60 to 75 percent, is a natural temperature regulator. Another way this nutrient is used by the body for this purpose is through the process of perspiration. As water evaporates from the skin, the body is cooled. Important for Chemical Reaction Protein and carbohydrates are two nutrients necessary for healthy body functioning. They provide energy and are vital for growth and development. However, these two substances are useless to the body without water. Water enables a chemical reaction to occur which results in protein and carbohydrates becoming absorbable and usable by the body. Nutrients and other necessary elements must be sent to all parts of the body in order to ensure functioning of every single body process, from respiration to muscle movement to digestion and waste removal. Without water as the movement medium, the body would not function. The average person should drink around eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, although this can vary. You may need to drink more fluids if you exercise, are pregnant or are experiencing very warm weather. As a rule of thumb, drink a glass of water or another beverage during meals and between meals. Also, drink water before, during and after a workout. Note that all beverages and foods contain some water and will help keep you hydrated. Foods like watermelon, spinach and celery are especially high in water content, providing needed fluids to keep you hydrated. Drinking too much water can actually be life-threatening. Page 4

5 Chapter 5 : Functions of Water: Health Benefits Everyday Health Water Protects Your Tissues, Spinal Cord, and Joints. Water does more than just quench your thirst and regulate your body's temperature; it also keeps the tissues in your body moist. URL of this page: 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. It makes up saliva and the fluids surrounding the joints. Water regulates the body temperature through perspiration. It also helps prevent and relieve constipation by moving food through the intestines. Food Sources You get some of the water in your body through the foods you eat. Some of the water is made during the process of metabolism. You also get water through liquid foods and beverages, such as soup, milk, tea, coffee, soda, drinking water, and juices. It causes the body to release water. Side Effects If you do not get enough water each day, the body fluids will be out of balance, causing dehydration. When dehydration is severe, it can be life threatening. Recommendations The Dietary Reference Intake for water is between 91 and fluid ounces 2. However, individual needs will depend on your weight, age, and activity level, as well as any medical conditions you may have. Keep in mind that this is the total amount you get from both food and beverages every day. There is no specific recommendation for how much water you should drink. If you drink fluids when you feel thirsty and have beverages with meals, you should get enough water to keep you hydrated. Try to choose water over sweetened drinks. These beverages can cause you to take in too many calories. Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Dietary Reference Intakes for water, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate Accessed October 16, Naish J, Court DS, eds. Page 5

6 Chapter 6 : Water in diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Water helps nearly every part of the human body function efficiently. Considering that our bodies are almost two-thirds water, it's important to understand water's role in a healthy lifestyle. Here are just some of the things water does in your body. Annie Logan Water plays numerous roles in the human body. It is the main constituent of the organs, cells, tissues and is vital for life. Different parts of the body contains different amount of water and it depends on the function water does on different organs of the body. Water is present in each cells of the body, tissues and it is required in the high amount during growth period. Water is important for cellular homeostasis which is responsible for maintaining between the factors that makes healthy cells. Water transports the nutrients to the cells of the body and removes the waste from the cells. Functions of all the important systems of the body such as cardiovascular system, nervous system, respiratory system, digestive tract, the kidney, the brain and the reproductive system depend on the adequate level of water in the body. Water allows the blood circulation which is essential for the functioning of all the tissues and organs of the body. It boosts brain power The optimal functioning of the brain depends a lot on water as it helps brain keep working. The cells of the brain require two times more energy than other cells of the body and when the amount of water is compromised it affects the functioning of the brain. The brain regulates and coordinates the signals in all organs and water helps in keep the signal going. Also, water acts as a shock absorber during walking and running and this function is extremely important for the brain to function. It helps in weight management If you are trying to lose weight then drinking an adequate amount of water can help. Increasing daily consumption of water is recognized as a great weight loss strategy. Water helps break down the food faster and keeping the digestive system on track. It cleanses the body by flushing out all the toxins. Also, drinking warm water every morning can help you shed an extra pound. This is because an increased temperature of the water leads to an increased metabolic rate and increased metabolic rate allows the body to burn more calories. Why Is Calcium Extremely Important? It helps in the effective functioning of the kidney The kidneys are one of the most hardworking organs in the body that purifies the blood, filters our and excretes all the waste products. Drinking sufficient amount of water on the daily basis is important for the health of the kidneys. Chronic dehydration can lead to the formation of crystals that affects the functioning of the kidneys and the cause of the kidney disease. Kidneys are the main regulators of the water loses and it has a unique property to modify the osmotic pressure of urine. It promotes healthy skin Drinking plenty of water throughout the day ensures proper hydration and helps in reducing the dryness of the skin and keep it glowing. Water helps in keeping skin moisturized and a well moisturized skin is less prone to get wrinkles and makes the skin look younger. It improves the tone of the skin and enhances the health of cells of the skin. The cells of the skin are made up of water and deficiency of water or dehydration can affect the skin adversely. It throws noticeable effects on the skin. It aids a headache Numerous researchers have suggested that water can help you get rid of headaches. Not only headache, water is said to be the best remedy to relieve pain. In fact, it is believed that dehydration is one of the causes of a headache. Headaches are mainly of three types, tension headache, migraine headache and cluster headache and water is known to be effective in treating all these types of a headache. Also, water is beneficial for the factors that cause a headache. For example, fatigue is one factor that causes a tension headache and water is an effective remedy for fatigue. Symptoms of dehydration Dehydration is a condition that occurs when we lose more fluid than we take in. Dehydration can be defined as a mild, moderate and a severe condition. Some of the symptoms that define dehydration include Dryness in the mouth. Page 6

7 Chapter 7 : Your Kidneys & How They Work NIDDK Water is the most important macronutrient for the human body. About 60% of our body mass is comprised of water. Water is needed in all bodily fluids and is involved in almost every bodily function. I know it may seem obvious to suggest that water is a very crucial element to the human body, however do we really pay attention to our personal water consumption? Water is the most important macronutrient for the human body. Water is needed in all bodily fluids and is involved in almost every bodily function. Water cannot be stored in the body. The Many Roles of Water water improves oxygen delivery to the cells water helps to keep the blood thin and free flowing water helps to transport nutrients throughout the body water enables our cells to be hydrated water cushions our bones and joints water acts as a shock absorber to our joints and organs water helps us regulate our body temperature, if we are dehydrated we can become overheated or have heat stroke water keeps our lymph free flowing so it can properly remove wastes and toxins. Understanding how much water we individually require can vary. Many things can affect how much water you may need, such as climate, activity level, diet, weight and even what medicines you may take. If you are consuming anything that acts like a diuretic in the body, such as coffee, alcohol, fruit juice and many medicines, you will need to replace the water that was lost. A general rule of thumb is to divide your body weight in half and that will give you the minimum amount of water you should drink per day. However, you do not want to exceed a gallon per day, as too much water can actually cause dehydration since it simply depletes the body of minerals. Your kidneys will simply flush out the water and other nutrients if you are drinking too much water. Add some lemon juice to help alkalize the body and a pinch of sea salt to get some electrolytes in. Filtered water is becoming the best option as most tap water contains chlorine, fluoride, chemicals, bacteria and heavy metals. It takes a lot of water to digest our foods. Filtering Your Water Carbon block filters are the best overall option and usually the most affordable type of filter you can buy. When searching for a water filter to purchase be sure to look for the NSF approved filters. Water Filter Comparisons is a great website to search and compare many brands of water filters. Check out this chart that compares many known brands and varieties of water filters to see where yours may fall in its overall effectiveness. Those may be worth checking into if you are in the market for a new water filter for your home. You may think purchasing bottled water is a safer option than drinking tap, but that is not true. Bottled water is less regulated than tap water and many bottled waters are nothing more than filtered tap water. The following video shares excellent insight as to why the bottle water industry is not geared towards our health, but really just interested in profit. Finally, a great site to check out is watercure. Batmanghelidj shares how to overcome many health maladies simply by consuming more water. Let him teach you how to recognize the different signals of thirst and when your body is really trying to tell you that you just need more water. Page 7

8 Chapter 8 : What Critical Role Does Water Play in Homeostasis? Sciencing Maintain an healthy hydration means anticipating dehydration and consuming the minimum recommended level of water. Water plays a variety of roles within the human body, with the main functions being nutrient distribution, waste carrier, body temperature regulation, and lubrication. In order to be as right as rain, drinking water is of paramount significance. As one of the vital nutrients, it has diverse array of roles to offer. Similar to having a scheduled dietary regimen, it is important to have a planned out regimen guiding the regular intake of water. Importance of water in the human body Two third constituent of human body is dependent on water. Water controls the functioning of different anatomical units comprising human body. Also described as universal solvent, it forms the foundation of different biological activities. Water serves as a major agent of detoxification. Regulation of temperature and that of metabolism is facilitated through water. Water provides for effective lubrication. Besides being the basis of saliva and fluid guarding the joint system, water prevents human body from diseases of different kinds. Each and every human cell needs water for its sustenance, be it the blood cell or neuron the smallest unit of the nervous system. Water has its part to play in the transportation of nutrients. As far as the absorption of nutrients is concerned, water has its role to offer. Daily requirement of water for human body On a regular basis, human body needs 2 to 2. Thus consumption of food item leads to the intake of 1 liter of water. So it is important that drinking water takes care of the remaining water supply varying from 1. Apart from the height and weight index, nature of activity you are involved in also has its role to play. In order to arrive at the specific amount required, one kind of measurement gears to the division of body weight by two. Convert your weight into pounds and have it divided by two. However, the above mentioned guideline should not be taken as a standardized unit of measurement. Physicians also recommend about going by and fulfilling the calls of thirstiness. Do bear in mind that water may be synonymous to life and living but overdrinking of water may lead to toxicity. Overdrinking may unnecessary expose your kidney, heart and systems composing them to un-called for risks. Water requirement by men, women and children Keep in mind the factors mentioned previously. Amount of water lost by individual person also becomes one of the determining factors. Keeping in mind the amount lost by an individual person, it has been opined by doctors, experts and nutritionists that men tend to lose water more than women. Women in pregnancy and those involved in breastfeeding tend to lose more amount of water. Hence, if you belong to one of these categories your need for water will vary between eleven to thirteen cups. Similarly growing children require additional amount of water to sustain their fast pace of growth. Symptoms of dehydration or water loss As a necessary solvent, correlation has already been established between water and anatomical functions of human body. It has also been established that loss of water should be replenished by consumption or drinking of water. It is natural to lose water and loss of water results owing to causes of perspiration, bowel movement and overall metabolism of the human body. When the loss of water exceeds the rate of intake, condition of dehydration sets in. There are some specific symptoms of dehydrations including thirst, hunger and exhaustion. Thirst is one of the most common signs of dehydration. It is an obvious condition calling for the intake of water. With sufficient consumption of water, urine should appear clear in color. Change of coloration to pale yellow is one of the signs of dehydration. Weakness, decrease in the production of urine, dryness of mouth, muscular cramps and feeling of nausea are also some of the associated symptoms of dehydration. Chapter 9 : Importance of Water in Human Body Daily Water Requirements for Body Dehydration Sympt Functions of Water in the Body The human body is anywhere from 55% to 78% water depending on body size. A rule of thumb, 2/3 of body is consists of water, and it is the main component of human body. Page 8