Dehydration

Essay by JWeigelCollege, UndergraduateA-, September 2008

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�PAGE � Dehydration �PAGE �1�

Dehydration

Axia College of University of Phoenix

SCI241

Jeff Weigel

September 5, 2008

Water makes up more than two thirds of the weight of the human body, and without it, humans would die in a few days. The human brain is made up of 95% water; blood is 82% and lungs 90%. A mere 2% drop in our body's water supply can trigger signs of dehydration (Unknown). Water is important to the mechanics of the human body. The body cannot work without it, just as a car cannot run without gas and oil. In addition to the daily maintenance of our bodies, water also plays a key role in the prevention of disease. Drinking eight glasses of water daily can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45%, bladder cancer by 50% and it can potentially even reduce the risk of breast cancer (Unknown).

Water serves as a solvent for nutrients and delivers nutrients to cells; while it also helps the body eliminate waste products from the cells.

Both the spaces between cells (intercellular spaces) and the spaces inside cells (intracellular spaces) are filled with water. Water lubricates joints and acts as shock absorbers inside the eyes and spinal cord. Amniotic fluid, which is largely water, protects the fetus from bumps and knocks. Water also helps the body maintain a constant temperature by acting as a thermostat (Neill 2008). The body sweats when a person is too hot from being in a hot environment or from intense physical activity. When sweat evaporates, it lowers the body temperature and restores homeostasis.

The experts have always said, on average, that eight eight-ounce glasses per day will suffice. However, that might not be enough. While eight is great, amounts really need to be tailored to meet the needs...