Water and electrolytes Essays

Submitted By Artem-Piatine
Words: 504
Pages: 3

WATER
Percentage of water found in...
Blood: More than 80% water
Muscles: 79%
Bones: 31%
Fat cells: 10-15%

CELL LIFE
Water is a carrier, distributing essential nutrients to cells, such as minerals, vitamins and glucose. 


CHEMICAL AND METABOLIC REACTIONS
Water removes waste products including toxins that the organs’ cells reject, and removes them through urines and feces.


TRANSPORT OF NUTRIENTS
Water participates in the biochemical break-down of what we eat.


BODY TEMPRATURE REGUALTION
Water has a large heat capacity, which helps limit changes in body temperature in a warm, or a cold environment. Water allows the body to release heat when ambient temperature is higher than body temperature (1). The body begins to sweat, and the evaporation of water from the skin surface very efficiently cools the body.

ELIMINATION OF WATER
Water is an effective lubricant around joints. It also acts as a shock absorber for eyes, brain, and spinal cord and even for the fetus through amniotic fluid. 


Water is at the center of life. This is why nobody can live more than 3 to 5 days without any water intake.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU’RE HYDRATED?
The best way to tell if you're hydrated is to monitor your urine. You should be urinating a significant amount regularly (3-4 times) throughout the day. If your urine is pale yellow or clear in color you are drinking enough. If it is dark yellow and odorous, get a big glass of water and start guzzling! Keep in mind that a vitamin pill will also make your urine dark - so it is possible to have dark urine and still be hydrated.

WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?
Electrolytes are minerals in your body that have an electric charge. They are in your blood, urine and body fluids. Maintaining the right balance of electrolytes helps your body's blood chemistry, muscle action and other processes. Sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, phosphate