"Water is the source of everything in the Universe."This is what Heraclides claimed. And it is almost impossible to argue with this. Remember what scientists study first of all when it comes to searching for "brothers in mind"? That's right, the presence of water on the planets. Because if it exists - in any - solid, gaseous or liquid state - then various forms of life are possible. Perhaps everyone knows from the school curriculum that 2/3 of the surface of our planet is covered with water. Water, in greater or lesser quantities, is contained in everything that surrounds us - even volcanic magma and stones. What can we say about people! The importance of water in human life is difficult to overestimate. It is not for nothing that Dubois gave an apt definition: "A living organism is animated water." Indeed, our body is 3/4 made up of this substance. It is interesting that even such "details" as bones contain water. Moreover, water is not only present in our body, but plays one of the most important roles in almost all life processes. It is part of the blood, participates in the work of the circulatory system, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the organs. Without water, we would not be able to digest food. It breaks down even such a poison as nicotine, as well as sugar and excess salt. It protects against overheating and removes waste products. And if a person can “hold out” for a month or two without food, then without water he dies within a week. Why does this happen? Let's take a closer look.
Physiological functions of water
Perhaps, first of all, it should be said aboutthat water plays the role of a kind of "filler" for our body. Our appearance depends on it. After all, thanks to it, organs retain a certain shape and "work" in a normal mode. A person reacts very sharply to changes in water balance:
- reducing the amount of water in the body by only one percent leads to a strong thirst;
- if the moisture is less by five percent, there is a feeling of dryness in the mouth, the skin begins to wrinkle, there is a clouding of consciousness and even hallucinations are possible;
- if the body loses ten percent of water, this leads to a mental disorder, the swallowing reflex disappears;
- If a loss of 14 to 15 percent of moisture can occur, death occurs.
Another equally important function of water isis nutrition. It dissolves useful substances and penetrates into cells, intercellular spaces and even the thinnest capillaries with them, providing them with everything they need. Water also participates in the digestion process and cleanses our body of waste products. Leaving the body through the skin and kidneys, water simply “takes with it” all the harmful substances accumulated in the body. Moreover, water is the main biological fluid. After all, it is the environment in which metabolic reactions and the constant process of restoration and destruction of living tissues take place. The thermoregulatory role of this substance is no less significant. What is thermoregulation? This is the body's ability to maintain a certain body temperature. Remember what the doctor tells you when you are sick. “Drink more fluids” - right? Water, evaporating from the surface of your body, helps to “knock down” the temperature.
How much water do you need?
The need for water varies from person to person.And it depends on many factors - climate, age, health, work activity, nutrition, etc. Therefore, it is quite problematic to talk about exact figures. They will still be "average". So. It is calculated that an adult, healthy person living in the middle zone loses about 3 liters of water daily. And the loss must be compensated. If the mere thought of having to drink as many as 3 liters seems monstrous to you, do not despair! We get a large amount of water from fruits, vegetables and other foods. Therefore, the need for water "in its pure form" is about 1.5-2 liters per day. That is, eight to ten glasses. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people drink only a small part of the required amount. And this is despite the fact that many scientists have already come to the conclusion that most of the "diseases of the century" are associated with a violation of the drinking regime and, as a result, dehydration. According to a number of studies, people who drink a lot of water are more resilient, more reserved and more inclined to various types of creativity. By the way, our “smart” body very clearly signals a lack of water. Only we often do not hear these signals and do not pay any attention to them. And in vain! Signs of dehydration are obvious and, probably, familiar to many. If you have:
- the skin began to peel and dry;
- there were acne and acne;
- pores are clogged;
- there were "bags" under the eyes;
- pains in joints and back have begun;
- dizziness often occurs;
- you are constantly experiencing lethargy and fatigue;
- a dry cough appeared;
- beginning to "gallop" pressure;
- decreased efficiency and concentration of attention
- it's high time to think about it,whether you drink enough water. It is believed that the first glass of water should be drunk immediately after waking up, on an empty stomach. In this way, you will “start” the cleansing process in your body right in the morning. Then the daily norm is “taken” in small portions. You should drink in small sips and, of course, only “live” - not boiled - water. Tea, coffee, juices - do not count. We are talking specifically about drinking water. What other measures can be taken to avoid dehydration? Here are some simple tips:
- if you are going on a trip and know that you will not have the opportunity to drink for a long time - drink "in reserve", the day before;
- being on the plane, try to drink at least one glass of water every hour. This is due to the fact that in airplanes very "overdried" air;
- in the summer, before you leave the house, be sure todrink one or two glasses of water. In doing so, try not to drink directly on the street, tk. this can lead to increased sweating. As a result, you will lose even more moisture;
- if you get sick, and you have a fever, drink as often as possible, even "through I do not want";
- remember that alcohol, coffee and smoking lead to dehydration of the body. For each serving of an alcoholic beverage or a cup of coffee, one glass of clean drinking water must be available;
- During pregnancy and lactation, there is a need for an additional amount of fluid.
A bit about the "eternal" ...
Also - which is especially relevant forwomen watching their figure - it is believed that water helps to cope with excess weight. A glass of water drunk before a meal dulls the feeling of hunger and reduces appetite. As a result, you will eat less than usual. This is especially important if you are on a diet - you want to eat all the time! But it is better to refrain from drinking during a meal - water dissolves food and removes it from the body, which means that very soon you will want to eat again. In general, it is believed that you should only drink dry food - pies, crackers, sandwiches. Any housewife knows that no matter how often you sweep the floor - you still can't do without wet cleaning. It is simply impossible to clean without water. Our body also needs to be "washed". And not only outside, but also inside. It is water that washes away all the waste and toxins and ensures the purity in the body that is so necessary for health. However, do not forget that any issue should be approached "wisely". Everything needs a measure. Excessive amounts of fluid in the human body can cause no less harm than its deficiency. Large portions of drink increase sweating, make it difficult for the blood to carry oxygen and increase the load on the internal organs. When eating spicy and salty foods, there is a strong thirst, but taking too much fluid can lead to metabolic disorders. It is also not recommended to wash down fatty foods with cold water - an overfilled stomach can lead to an upset stomach - it is better to limit yourself to a cup of hot tea. Sweet juices on an empty stomach also increase gastric motility and have a laxative effect.
Ordinary miracle
However, the phrase "Don't let yourself dry up"- this is not just an advertising slogan, but the real truth. During life, the amount of fluid in the human body gradually decreases: a newborn baby consists of 86 percent water, and an elderly person - only 50! Aging - is literally drying out. Remember how an apple wrinkles and dries up if it lies on the table for a long time - the same thing happens to us. We must fight! Life originated in water. "We carry the ocean in our veins" - said the poet. And a small, familiar and almost imperceptible miracle will help us keep this life full - a few glasses of clean water a day. They will help you get rid of excess weight, improve the condition of your skin, hair and overall well-being. And, most importantly, for all this it is not at all necessary to run to the pharmacy or department store and spend "crazy" money. The miracle is here, very close. Just reach out your hand. We recommend reading:
