The Body Benefits From Water

By Patricia Denny, LMT, March 12, 2018

If you are like most Americans, than you do not drink enough water.  Many of us grab coffee, sodas, or an energy drink to wake us up and keep us going.  While effective, most of our choice options contain caffeine, which actually dehydrates the body.  So, why is water so important and the optimal choice?

The human body is approximately 60% water and vital to the overall functioning and well-being of the human body and its systems.  As the image above shows, water is a vital ingredient to each of the eight (8) areas noted.  However, this list only identifies each benefit broadly.  Let's take a closer look:

Regulates Body Temperature - 

Part of your brain, the hypothalamus, works with other parts of your body's temperature-regulating system, such as the skin, sweat glands and blood vessels.  These could also be referred to as 'the vents, condensers and heat ducts' of your body's heating and cooling system.  Water enables the body to release heat as we sweat.  The evaporation of water from the skin's surface cools the body very efficiently.

Moistens Tissues - 

Water acts as a lubricant moistening tissues throughout your body; including your eyes, nose and mouth. You literally have fascial tissue, which is one long, continuous strand wrapping every bone, muscle and organ, located throughout your body.  As an example:  This fascial tissue helps your scapula glide over your exterior rib cage as you move your arms.  Just like 'cling wrap', it can get 'sticky' and/or stuck and reduce your range of motion. But, that is just one example.  As you move, this tissue allows organs to glide against other adjacent muscles and organs.  Just the simple function of breathing, allows your lungs to push against your rib cage and, as the two engage, your rib cage glides while expanding and contracting.

Protects Organs and Tissues - 

Here water acts as both a shock absorber, as well as, a lubricant.  The brain (though some may argue it is a muscle) is floating in cerebrospinal fluid, consisting of mostly water, that protects the brain from injuries and allows the spinal cord to slide in the spinal canal.  The abdominal area is also full of water which reduces friction between organs and allows organs to move around or float.

Lubricates Joints - 

Water is an intricate part of synovial fluid, which is located in the body's joints acting as a lubricant and shock absorber.  Thus, when bones and their connecting joints are in motion, the synovial fluid reduces damaging and, often times, painful friction.  Cartilage, a strong, flexible connective tissue, is found in various parts of the body including the joints, outer ear and the larynx (also known as the voice box).  Have you ever noticed someone speaking will keep a glass of water nearby just in case their mouth gets too dry to talk? 

Helps to Prevent Constipation - 

Most readers have experienced the difference between the struggle and strain of trying to pass a large, condensed stool and a bowel movement so liquid it runs out of your system like someone turned on a faucet.  So, understanding how water aids in this process should be pretty self-explanatory.  Simply put, it acts as a lubricant making the process of eliminating waste easier.

Reduces Burden on Kidneys and Liver - 

The liver is an important organ within the human body.  With the help of Vitamin K, the liver produces proteins important to blood clotting.  It is also one of the organs that break down old or damaged blood cells.  The liver plays a central role in all metabolic processes in the body.  In fat metabolism, the liver cells break down fats and produce energy.  It also secretes bile which ends up in the intestines.

Waste is filtered through your kidney and water is an essential part of this process.  (Simplified) Waste is dissolved in water which filters through the kidney; thus, making it easier for the kidney to separate out 'the junk' and flush it out of the body.

Helps Dissolve Minerals and Other Nutrients -

Minerals and nutrients absorb water, which, in turn, helps to 'break them down' and move them into areas of the body where they are needed and utilized.

Carries Nutrients and Oxygen to Cells -

The water in the body carries elements such as oxygen and other nutrients to cells by dissolving them into the bloodstream and delivering them through the cell membrane.  Water surrounding each cell creates a flexibility in the cell membrane that can help it change shape to expand and contract muscles.

Cells can dry up and shrink if there is not enough water.  This contributes to a concentration of different salts (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc.), which are usually heavily regulated under normal circumstances.

HYDRATION - 

The broadest benefit of water is keeping the body hydrated.  This encompasses all of the eight (8) benefits listed.  Keep in mind, this article is not exhaustive of all of the functions and benefits of water within the human body.  However, some might even refer to water as the 'fountain of youth' as it allows the body to function as designed and reduces 'wear-n-tear', thus prolonging the usefulness and function of the body and all of its parts.

So, while I completely understand the occasional need to grab for a caffeinated drink - and, am completely guilty of doing so myself - I encourage you, the reader, to try to drink more water and provide your body with something it wants and needs.  Your body will 'thank you'.