Baby, do you like water? Good thing, because you like 70 percent of my body.
As that pick-up line suggests, water makes up approximately 60–70 percent of the body.

Drinking enough water is an essential to maintaining a healthy body. Without it a human being cannot live for more than a few days. 

“If we don’t get enough water, our bodies don’t function very well as a whole. We can’t do anything to our maximum ability,” said Professor Paula Criman, a medical assistant director in the Health Science Department.

Water affects multiple body parts, including the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver, digestive system and more.

“Water nourishes the cells in your body. When the cells in your body are healthy, your body as a whole is healthy,” said Samantha Bowman, a junior studying recreation management. “Water helps cleanse your body, getting rid of toxins.”
Water helps with weight loss and with breaking down fat. 

“Water goes to the essential areas first and then goes to the breaking down of fat. If you do not get enough water, the body will not be able to break down the fat,” Criman said.

Dehydration occurs when the body does not receive the needed amount of water. The amount of water needed depends on multiple factors, some of which include physical activity, body composition, food intake and climate.
There are multiple indicators or symptoms of dehydration.

 “Taking water in consistently throughout the day is important. The thirst mechanism is an indicator that you are already dehydrated,” said Professor Lynn Perkes, Health Science Department faculty.

Other symptoms of dehydration include light-headedness, dizziness and headaches.

According to Philippa Norman, M.D. on www.healthybrainforlife.com, “Water is essential for optimal brain health and function ... Nutrition and hydration are part of a foundation for healthy learning.”

During the summer, the hotter weather may encourage people to drink more water to keep hydrated. However, it is just as important to stay hydrated in the winter.

“Most of us need to drink more, especially in the winter time around here, because the air is so dry,” Criman said.

However, drinking too much water can cause problems. A good indication that one is drinking enough water is to look at the color of urine.

“If urine is pale yellow or clear, you are getting enough water. However, some medication and vitamins can color the urine,” Criman said.

Sports drinks and vitamin water are other drinks that hydrate the body. Sports drinks not only hydrate the body but also provide the body with vitamins, electrolytes, iron, and other nutrients the body needs. 

However, sport drinks such as Gatorade and Propel come with calories and sugars while water does not.

Scientists still debate whether sports drinks or water are better for athletes. 
According to Nancy Clark, a dietician and sports nutritionist, whose blog can be found at www.well.blogs.nytimes.com, “Sports drinks are only appropriate in the context of sports.... Most kids younger than 10 or 12 don’t work out hard enough to require carbohydrate and electrolyte replenishment.”

Amanda Eutsler

Scroll Staff