Body and Mind

“After air, water is the most immediate and urgent requirement for life”.

The human body consists of more than 60% water, rising to 75% in infants. To enable it to function properly, the body requires correct hydration of the cells and organs. Different parts of the body suffer the effects of dehydration in different ways and the volume of water in the body is regulated by complex, interdependent mechanisms.

Dehydration is defined as a 1-2% loss in body weight due to a loss in fluid. Even at these levels many physical and mental activities can be impaired, resulting in a lack of performance.

Brain

• The brain consists of around 85% water. It plays a vital role in controlling the body’s response to dehydration. It controls water intake by altering the thirst mechanism and varies the excretion of water from the kidneys.
• Levels of concentration can decrease by 13% and short term memory by 7% due to dehydration.
• Symptoms of a dehydrated brain can be dizziness, headaches and tiredness.

Lungs

• We loose water every time we breathe in the form of water vapour. The amount we loose can vary, especially with climate and altitude.
• Regular intake of water whilst exercising will reduce the affects of water loss from the lungs.

Heart

• Cells shrink when dehydrated. This can impair the transmission of the electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to contract.

Kidneys

• Water is the sole carrier of soluble minerals and waste products from the kidneys.
• Drinking a lot of water accelerates the ejection of minerals, such as sodium, in urine.
• Drinking plenty of water can prevent urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

Stomach

• Enjoying a healthy intake of water can increase the metabolic rate and help convert food into energy.
• Water can aid digestion through the production of gastric juices and saliva.

Skin

• Good hydration of the skin is essential to maintain its elasticity, softness, tone and appearance.
• The skin needs a sufficient intake of water to replenish the stock of water in the dermis and to replace the water/lipid film on the surface.

Blood

• The blood is vital for the transportation of nutrients to the rest of the body and is made up of 75%.
• Water maintains cell structure and aids in the transport of oxygen through the blood stream.