Dehydration

Dehydration

  • Submitted By: raen27
  • Date Submitted: 10/31/2013 8:57 PM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 1427
  • Page: 6
  • Views: 98

Dehydration
Water is an essential component of life. It makes up about 60% of a human adult body and is vital to health and wellness (USGS, 2011). Numerous studies and research have helped to raise public awareness of the importance of keeping the body hydrated.
Essential for Health Maintenance
From hydrating cells to waste elimination, water contributes to the healthy function of several processes within the human body. Water is found inside and outside of cells as well as around them (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006). The fluid inside and outside of cells is known as intracellular and extracellular fluids, and the interstitial fluid is found between the cells (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006). By providing healthy cellular growth and diminishing the multiplication of diseased cells, proper hydration can reduce the risk of disease.
Water plays an instrumental role in the structure of blood and other auxiliary fluids of the body. Proper hydration is also crucial to the gastrointestinal tract as well as muscles and joints (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006). Similar to the requirement of regular exercise in maintaining healthy weight, hydration at the muscular level of the body is essential in maintaining growth and enhancing protein synthesis (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006).
Additionally, water is necessary for the elimination of urine, fecal matter, and other forms of waste from the body. The body also requires water to regulate body temperature, and is evaporated from the lungs (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006). When water levels are not adequately maintained the risk of dehydration through this method of waste and water elimination is increased (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006). Thus adequate amounts of water consumption are required for health, growth, and development of the body.
Water’s Function in the Human Body
About 83% of blood in the human body is composed of water (USGS, 2011). The water in blood acts as a transporter for cellular waste to the lungs, kidneys, and...

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