Drinking Water!

Much has been said and written about it, but we cannot emphasise it enough: drink plenty of water! It is incredibly important for the proper functioning of both body and mind. Your body is largely composed of water; in babies, it's even 75%! As you age, this percentage decreases to 65% in men and approximately 50% in women. Now that we are in the midst of summer and temperatures are soaring, it is extra important to monitor your fluid intake. Here, we explain why it is crucial to keep your body hydrated.

Why is drinking water healthy?

Water is a vital component for your cells. Simply put, each cell consists of a cell wall with intracellular fluid (cytoplasm) that is 60 – 95% water. Not only is there fluid within your cells, but also between them (interstitial fluid), where water is a major component. This fluid is crucial for communication among the billions of cells in your body, occurring through the transport of molecules, electrical signals, and physical contact between cells. This process is known as intercellular communication. Water also acts as a solvent for substances in the fluid, which is important for the proper functioning of metabolic processes that occur in and around the cells.

Your body is largely composed of water; in babies, it's even 75%! As you age, this percentage decreases.

Excreting Waste Products

In the fluid between cells, alongside nutrients, there are also waste products that must be excreted by the body. Your lymphatic system plays a crucial role in this; lymph fluid (the excess interstitial fluid) is filtered and cleansed by the lymph vessels before the lymph flow empties into your veins and is thus delivered to the blood. You can imagine that a lack of fluid disrupts the functioning of your lymphatic system. Water also ensures that your blood can flow, allowing waste products to be excreted via organs like the liver and kidneys.

Organs

You support your organs by drinking sufficient water. Especially in the morning, it is important to hydrate your body, as you haven't drunk anything for 7 to 8 hours and you also lose a lot of fluid during sleep. It helps your kidneys get started and thus aids in the excretion of waste products. Additionally, it ensures a fresh and clear mind; your brain is largely composed of fluid, and a deficiency leads to a sluggish feeling and poor concentration. Your intestines also benefit from 1 or 2 glasses of water in the morning! It helps stimulate bowel movements, which can prevent or reduce constipation.

Author: Nicole Langedijk