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HYDRATION ODDYSSEY

Navigating the Depths of Human Hydration, From Birth to Wellness

By Jackson GitauPublished 2 years ago 3 min read

Water is present in almost everything, including our body's cells and the moisture in the earth and ice caps. The average human body contains between 55 and 60 percent water, depending on location, age, sex, and fat index. Human newborns are even drier at birth. Since they are made of 75% water, they swim similarly to fish. But by the time they turn one year old, their water content falls to 65%.What function does water serve in our bodies, and what is the real amount we need consume to maintain our health? Our bodies use H20 to lubricate and cushion joints, control body temperature, and support the brain and spinal cord. Not just water exists in our blood. The heart and brain of an adult are nearly three quarters water.

That is about the same as the moisture content of a banana. At 83%, lungs are more like an apple. Even human bones that appear to be dry contain 31% water. Given that we are mostly composed of water and that it is all around us, why do we still need to drink so much water? We lose two to three liters each day from breathing alone, perspiration, bowel movements, and pee. Even though these processes are necessary for our existence, we must make up for the fluid loss. It's crucial to keep your water level regulated to prevent dehydration or over hydration, which can both have detrimental impacts on your general health. When low water levels are initially detected, sensory receptors in the brain's hypothalamus trigger the release of brain signals the ant diuretic hormone to be released.

When it arrived at the formed aqua points, which are unique channels in the kidneys that allow blood to absorb and hold more water, resulting in concentrated, dark urine. Significant decreases in blood pressure, energy, mood, skin hydration, and cognitive impairment can result from increased dehydration. A brain that is dehydrated has to work harder than one that is well-hydrated to achieve the same tasks, and it may even undergo temporary shrinkage as a result.

The most common cause of hypothermia, or over hydration, is consuming an excessive amount of water quickly. Because it can be difficult to control fluid levels in physically demanding situations, athletes are frequently the victims of over hydration. The brain produces more anti diuretic hormone when it is dehydrated, but when it is over hydrated, even halts, allowing it to enter the bloodstream.

The body dilutes its sodium electrolytes, which leads to cell swelling. Severe cases result in amounts of diluted urine that the kidneys are unable to process. The next step is water intoxication, which can result in headache, vomiting, and, in extreme cases, seizures or even death. However, that is a rather dire circumstance. For those of us who are lucky enough to have access to clean drinking water, it is simple to keep a well-hydrated system on a regular, daily basis. It was long believed that we should consume eight glasses of water each day. Since then, that estimate has been adjusted. It is now widely accepted that our environment and weight have a major influence on how much water we actually need to drink.

Men should drink 2.5–3.7 liters of water per day, while women should drink roughly 2-2.7 liters. These recommendations can be pushed higher or lower depending on our age, activity level, health, or level of heat. Although water is the most healthful hydrator, other drinks—including ones high in caffeine, like tea or coffee—also help the body replace fluids. And over a fifth of the H20 we consume each day comes from the water in meals. Since they contain more than 90% water, fruits and vegetables like broccoli, cucumbers, and strawberries can be used to increase fluid consumption while also offering important minerals and fiber.

Good drinking may also provide a number of long-term advantages. Research has indicated that maintaining adequate hydration can help control diabetes, minimize the risk of stroke, and possibly even cut the risk of several forms of disease. Whatever the case, drinking the appropriate amount of liquids has a profound impact on your daily mood, cognitive processes, and overall functioning.

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About the Creator

Jackson Gitau

Enigmatic Voyager 🌊✨

Ahoy, fellow explorers! 🚢 Embark on an enigmatic voyage with me, the Captain of Curiosity, navigating the seas of mystery and wonder.

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