Water

Water

Names for water

• H2O
• oxidane
• dihydrogen monoxide
• hydrogen hydroxide

What is Water?

Water is a chemical formed when two hydrogen atoms combine with a single oxygen atom. (H2O)

Where do we get water from?

It is estimated that there are nearly 326 million trillion gallons of water on the earth. Ninety-eight percent of the water of earth is in the oceans, and thus undrinkable because of its salt content. Nearly two percent of the earths water is fresh, although 1.6 percent is frozen on the polar caps and glaciers. 0.36 percent is deep underground in aquifers and wells. About 0.036 percent of fresh water is readily accessible from lakes/rivers. The rest of the earths water is found in the air being contained in clouds or vapor, as well as the water content found within plants and animals.

Health benefits of water

The human body is made up of nearly half to two-thirds water. Women average slightly lower than men. Simply put the body can not function without proper water intake, it assists in digestion, and nutrient transportation. It helps eliminate wastes and even helps in the lubrication of joints. Water is used by the body to help regulate temperature as well as helping to regulate metabolism. Water is also used to moisten the body, especially in the ear, nose and throat tissues.

Water also plays a large role in weight management:

• Those who do not drink enough water will actually find their bodies retain more water.
• Water assists excretion of waste from bowel and kidneys. If you don’t drink enough water you get constipated and put your kidneys under stress.
• Water can help suppress appetite.
• Water ensures nutrients are delivered throughout the body.

How much water do I need a day?

There are many suggested values for daily water intake, for men they range from 1.5 liters a day to 3 liters a day, women need slightly less ranging from 1.5 to 2.2 liters. Some suggested methods are :

• Fluid Replacement. The average urine output for adults is 1.5 liters a day. You lose close to an additional liter of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. Food usually accounts for 20 percent of your total fluid intake, so if you consume 2 liters of water or other beverages a day (a little more than 8 cups) along with your normal diet, you will typically replace the lost fluids.
• Dietary recommendations. The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3.0 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.
• 8 x 8 rule (eight 8-ounce glasses). Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

Activities that augment water needs

The following activates require you to increase your daily water intake:

• Exercise
• Exposure to hot or humid environments
• Illness
• Pregnancy
• Breast-feeding

Can I drink too much water?

Drinking too much water can lead to a condition known as Hyponatremia.

Hyponatremia is an abnormally low concentration of sodium in the blood. When your blood sodium is extremely low, the bodies cells start malfunctioning causing swelling. Drinking too much water at one time can cause acute hyponatremia. Acute hyponatremia is serious condition that can cause rapid brain swelling which can cause adverse conditions such as coma or even death. Acute hyponatremia can be avoided in many situations by replacing water with drinks that have an electrolyte content. These drinks might be better suited for consumption during strenuous events such as marathons or extended exercise routines.