Water in diet |
| Definition: |
| Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen; it is the basis for the fluids of the body. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Diet - water; H2O |
| Function: |
| Water makes up more than two thirds of the weight of the human body. Without water, humans would die in a few days. All the cell and organ functions depend on water for functioning. It serves as a lubricant and forms the base for saliva and the fluids that surround the joints. Water regulates the body temperature, as the cooling and heating is distributed through perspiration. Water helps to alleviate constipation by moving food through the intestinal tract and thereby eliminating waste. |
| Food Sources: |
| Water is obtained from some of the foods we eat. These are foods that are 85 to 95% water. Some water is obtained from the by-products of metabolism. But our main source of water is our drinking water, which is the best source. Water is also obtained from soup, milk, and juices. Alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine (such as coffee, tea, and colas) are not the best choices because they have a diuretic (water-excreting) effect. |
| Side Effects: |
| If adequate water is not consumed on a daily basis the body fluids will be out of balance, causing life-threatening dehydration. |
| Recommendations: |
|
Six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water, or half of the body weight in ounces, are recommended on a daily basis. For example, if you weight 140 lbs, you will need 70 ounces of water. Milk, juice, and soup can not be substituted for the entire water requirement. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages (due to their diuretic effect) would not be appropriate substitutes at all. Carrying a water bottle and drinking at regular intervals will help you to obtain the required amount of water your body needs. |
Reviewed By: Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H., Family Practice and Community Medicine. University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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