SearchDid you know that water’s the most important nutrient in your body, making up more than two-thirds of your body weight? In fact, your brain alone contains about 75% water! Water plays many vital roles in your health. It transports nutrients and oxygen to your cells, muscles and brain. It regulates your pH and electrolyte balance. And it keeps your heart and brain working properly. Although you can go weeks without food, you can live only five to seven days without water. Learn more interesting facts about water.
- Water aids in digestion. It’s the basis of saliva, which contains important enzymes that begin breaking down foods, dissolving minerals and nutrients for use.
- Water is essential in helping you digest soluble fiber from foods such as oatmeal, apples, oranges, nuts and beans.
- Water flushes toxins from the body.
- Some studies show that drinking eight glasses of water per day can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45%.
- There’s a positive association between higher fluid intake and decreased coronary artery disease. (Other fluids that do not contain excessive levels of sugar, salt or other chemicals that cause dehydration may be beneficial as well.)
- As little as a two percent drop in your body’s water supply can trigger signs of dehydration, which may cause fuzzy short-term memory and hinder basic problem solving. (Mild dehydration is one of the most common reasons for daytime fatigue!) A five percent reduction in water can decrease muscle strength and endurance.
- Not everyone needs the same amount of water each day. It depends on a variety of factors, including the foods you eat/drink, your level of physical activity, how much you sweat, your environment and whether you breathe through your nose or mouth. Listen to your body. If you’re tired, chances are you need to drink up!
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