Water, which is our “life element” while continuing our daily life, is a component that is constantly lost in our body and must be replaced. Most of the time, we think that we only lose water when we exercise, sweat, and go to the toilet, but even when swimming in the sea or in the pool, significant amounts of water occur.
All the cells and organs of the body need water to function properly. Water is also required for healthy movement of joints, protection of spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues, regulation of body temperature, absorption of vitamins and minerals in the intestines.
Water also supports the destruction of nutrients into the building blocks, thereby facilitating these substances into the body.
Although some of the water needed by the body is obtained through foods containing high amounts of water such as soup, tomato, orange, juice, it is necessary to consume drinking water to fully meet the water need. The best source of water for our body is drinking water.
How Much Water Should We Drink?
The amount of water to be consumed daily depends on the daily activity of the person and how much he sweats. There is no universally accepted amount of water to be consumed every day, but there is a general consensus about what is the healthy amount. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a sufficient intake for men is about 3 litres per day, and a sufficient intake for women is about 2.5 litres per day. It is recommended to increase this amount during exercise and warm weather. Besides, body weight and the amount of water to be consumed are directly proportional.
How Water helps the kidneys?
Water is necessary for the kidneys to work. If the kidneys do not work properly, waste products and excess fluid can accumulate in the body. Untreated kidney disease can lead to chronic kidney failure so that the organs do not work, which may require dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Urinary system infections (UTIs) are the second most common form of infection in the body. If the infections spread to the upper urinary system, including the kidneys, permanent damage may occur. Sudden kidney infections (acute) can be life-threatening, especially if septicemia occurs.
Drinking plenty of water is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of a UTI and is also recommended for patients who have already had a UTI.
The main cause of kidney stones is water inadequate water intake. Kidney stones are often reported in people who do not drink the daily recommended amount of water. Research suggests that kidney stones also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. In November 2014, the American College of Physicians published a report stating that drinking 2 litres of water a day can reduce the risk of kidney stones formation by at least fifty per cent without any side effects.
Dehydration – losing more water than the body takes – can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance. Electrolytes, such as potassium, phosphate, and sodium, help carry electrical signals between cells. Electrolyte levels in the body are kept in balance by properly functioning kidneys.
When the kidneys are unable to stabilize at the level of electrolytes, disturbances occur in these electrical signals. This can lead to seizures, causing involuntary muscle movements and loss of consciousness.
In some cases, dehydration can also cause chronic kidney failure. Possible complications in chronic kidney failure include anaemia, damage to the central nervous system, heart failure and immune system disruption.
