Hey everyone! Thank you for visiting my blog! I usually write my wellness blogs on Wednesdays but I thought this post was more fitting on a Thursday, you know for Thirsty Thursday. Anyway, I’ve recently upped my water intake from 1 liter a day to almost 2 liters a day. And it got me thinking how important water is for us. So today I thought I would do some research and share the benefits of water.
According to The USGS Water Science School, the human body is 60% water. Water is needed for bodily functions such:
- A vital nutrient to the life of every cell, acts first as a building material.
- It regulates our internal body temperature by sweating and respiration
- The carbohydrates and proteins that our bodies use as food are metabolized and transported by water in the bloodstream;
- It assists in flushing waste mainly through urination
- Acts as a shock absorber for brain, spinal cord, and fetus
- Forms saliva
- Lubricates joints
To break it down, water, by nature, gives your body hydrogen and oxygen. The molecules of water are H2O, meaning 2 parts Hydrogen to 1 part Oxygen.
We need hydrogen, one of the most abundant elements in the universe, simply put for energy. According to the www.LiveStrong.com:
‘Because of hydrogen, the cells are able to remain hydrated, toxins and waste are able to be eliminated from the body, nutrients are able to be transported to the cells that need them, your joints are lubricated, and your body’s immune system is able to send defensive cells to fight of infection-causing fungus, bacteria and viruses.’
‘Hydrogen also plays a crucial role in energy production in the body. For our bodies to function, they must have energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Your body gains energy through consuming foods rich in substances such as carbohydrates. Once ingested, the body uses enzymes to break down your food into more basic substances such as glucose. These basic parts are then further broken down through glycolysis and beta oxidation, leaving your body with acetyl CoA. Acetyl CoA is then broken down into hydrogen, oxygen and carbon. The hydrogen ions are transported to the mitochondria of the cells, which then uses the hydrogen to create ATP.’
We need oxygen to breathe and be alive essentially and its also used for energy. But oxygen from water helps diffuse into our tissues making sure every part of our body is working properly down to the cellular level. When we are dehydrated all bodily functions become less efficient. Less efficiency leaves room for infections, a weak immune system and
Another detail to consider is the source and quality of water. Ionized alkaline water is believed to be the best for us because the ionization process creates micro cluster of the water molecules which makes for easier absorption. The easier the absorption the less energy it takes for your body to be hydrated.
I hope you enjoyed my research for the day! I learned something new and hope you did too.
Stay Hydrated,
Melissa
Giving credit where credit is due, aka my sources:
https://water.usgs.gov/edu/propertyyou.html
https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/our-blog/2015/09/12-health-benefits-of-drinking-hydrogen-rich-water/
https://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/oxygenate-your-body.html
https://www.livestrong.com/article/28599-hydrogen-used-body/