Water 101: Reasons why drinking water is good for you
- A recent study by the Earth Policy Institute found that Australians consume 550 million liters of water each year
- Clean safe drinking water is vital for human health
- The human body can last weeks without food but only days without water
- The body is made up of 55-75 per cent water. Water forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones
- As the body can’t store water, we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from the lungs, skin, urine and faeces. The amount we need depends on our metabolism, the weather, the food we eat and our activity levels
- Body water is higher in men than in women and fall in both with age.
- Most mature adults lose about 2.5 litres of water per day. Water loss may be more in hot weather and with prolonged exercise.
- A person travelling in an aeroplane can lose about 1.5 litres of water during a three hour flight
- Water loss needs to be replaced
Water is needed to:
- Maintain the health and integrity of every cell in the body
- Keep the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through blood vessels
- Help eliminate the by-products of the body’s metabolism, excess electrolytes, for example sodium and potassium, and urea which is a waste product formed through the processing of dietary protein
- Regulate body temperature through sweating
- Keep mucous membranes moist, such as those of the lungs and mouth
- Lubricate and cushion joints
- Reduce the risk of cystitis by keeping the bladder clear of bacteria
- Aid digestion and prevent constipation
- Work as a moisturizer to improve the skin’s texture and appearance
- Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells
Our References
J. Angel (2008) Bottled Water or Bottled Environmental Damage, Green Magazine - Click Here!
Carbon Management (2009) What is a Carbon Footprint - Click Here!
J Koutsoukis (2007) The Real Cost of Bottled Water, The Age - Click Here!
BWA (2009) Bottled Water Alliance - Click Here!
|
