Functions of Water and Minerals Essay

Submitted By Christina_d75
Words: 414
Pages: 2

SCI/241

Water and Minerals

Functions

12/16/2012

Minerals and water have very important functions in the body. They both help with hydration of the body and maintain a healthy immune system. Maintaining a healthy immune system is done by regulating the body’s temperature, keeping the bones of the body strong, and helps with creating and regulating energy. A mineral, such as calcium is provide in dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, Calcium helps maintain the strength of the body’s bone structure. Likewise, calcium helps with keeping the body’s blood pressure normal. According to Grosvenor and Smolin (2006), “None of the minerals we require act in isolation. Instead, they interact with each other as well as vitamins and other dietary components” (Minerals Provide Structure and Regulate Function). On the other hand, water’s functions are to lubricate the eyes, joints, and mouth. Water also regulates the body’s temperature. In addition, Grosvenor and Smolin (2006) state that “Some of the reactions in which water participates help maintain the proper level of acidity in the body” (Water function in chemical reactions). This means that water plays a role in the chemical reactions that take place in the body. The general effects of dehydration are becoming thirsty and tired, contracting a headache, dark colored urine, a dry mouth, and no desire to eat. If these effects of dehydration are not taken seriously, and treated right away, one can become confused, disoriented, nauseous, and have a hard time concentrating. In order to treat dehydration, one will have to eat certain foods