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The Critical Role of Water in Health
Oct 27, 2024
Water in Human Physiology
Introduction
Focus on the essential role of water in human health.
Covers the importance of water compared to macronutrients and micronutrients.
Importance of Water
Water is crucial for survival; humans can only survive a few days without it.
The human body comprises a significant percentage of water:
Women: 50-60% water
Men: Around 60% water
Infants: 75-80% water
Variations in body water content:
Depends on muscle mass, age, gender.
Muscle: ~75% water
Fat mass: ~20% water
Key Functions of Water
Universal Solvent
Water is a polar molecule, dissolves polar substances (e.g., salt - sodium chloride).
Dissolves nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and certain minerals.
Exceptions include fats and fat-soluble compounds.
Transport Medium
Water facilitates transport of nutrients and oxygen in blood (80% water).
Other mediums: saliva, bile, lymph system, urine.
Body Temperature Regulation
Absorbs and dissipates heat, e.g., through sweat during exercise.
Lubricant and Cushion
Water is a lubricant in joints and mucus.
Cushioning agent around cells.
Cellular Structure and Metabolism
Provides structure; necessary for metabolic processes like ATP production.
Chemical Reactions
Aids chemical reactions, such as hydrolysis in digestion.
Acid-Base Balance
Maintains pH balance due to its polar nature.
Water Balance
Importance of maintaining fluid intake equal to fluid excretion:
Metabolic water production: 300 ml
Water from food: 700 ml
Beverages: 1500 ml
Fluid loss through:
Stool: minimal loss
Breathing: vapor
Kidneys: regulate fluid excretion
Sweat: varies by activity level and environment
Fluid Compartments
Total body fluid: ~40 liters
Intracellular fluid: ~2/3 of body water
Extracellular fluid: ~1/3 of body water
Intravascular (inside blood vessels)
Interstitial (between cells)
Electrolytes role in fluid balance:
Sodium: major cation in extracellular fluid
Potassium: major cation in intracellular fluid
Dynamic Fluid Movement
Intracellular and extracellular fluids constantly moving to maintain balance.
Influenced by electrolyte concentrations.
Conclusion
Introduction to water's role ends part one, with further discussions on electrolytes and fluid balance in the next part.
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