Nutrition Handbook: Part 7 - Water: The Essential Solvent for Life
by Jason J. Duke - Owner/Artisan
in collaboration with Seraphina Vegaranova - AI Construct
Fresh Content: August 18, 2022 00:50
Why is Water So Important?
While not a nutrient itself, water is like a superhero in our bodies! It's a special kind of liquid called a solvent
that plays a crucial role in all the processes that keep us alive. Water acts as the essential medium for dissolving and transporting nutrients, chemicals, and other substances throughout our bodies. This is why it's so important to stay hydrated - water helps our organs, muscles, and every part of our body function properly, grow, and heal.Most of the foods we eat have water in them, which helps carry nutrients, or solutes.
When we eat and digest food, those nutrients get absorbed in our intestines, thanks to water. Even when we take supplements, we usually mix them with water to help our bodies absorb them better.Water: The Body's Transportation System
Our bodies are made up of more than 50% water! This water isn't just sitting there - it's constantly moving and carrying important stuff around. Water-based fluids like blood and lymph act as a delivery service, transporting nutrients, enzymes (special proteins that help with chemical reactions), and hormones (chemical messengers) to and from our cells, forming a solution.
Thirst and Hydration
Ever felt thirsty? That's your body's way of saying, "Hey, I need more water!" We feel thirsty when our bodies don't have enough water, or when the other substances in our body fluids are too concentrated and need to be diluted.
Staying hydrated means giving your body the water it needs to keep everything working smoothly. Drinking water helps replenish the fluids in our bodies, allowing them to dissolve and transport the nutrients and other substances we need.
Water: The Powerhouse for Energy
Water also plays a key role in how our bodies create energy. Blood, which is mostly water, carries oxygen and glucose (a type of sugar) to our cells. Inside tiny structures within our cells called mitochondria, oxygen and glucose react to create energy (in the form of ATP).
Water helps carry away the waste products from this process so they can be eliminated from our bodies.Key Nutrients that Work with Water
Minerals: Minerals like sodium (found in salt), potassium, calcium, and magnesium are super important for staying hydrated. They are electrolytes,
which act like tiny electrical signals that help our kidneys know how much water is in our bodies, help nerves send messages, and even transport substances in and out of our cells.
Vitamins: Some vitamins, like the B vitamins, dissolve in water. Since our bodies flush out excess water-soluble vitamins
through urine, it's important to get them from our food or supplements every day. B vitamins are essential for healthy nerves throughout our body.
Carbohydrates: Carbs, like glucose, are the main fuel source for our bodies. We need a certain amount of carbohydrates in our blood and tissues to produce energy. Eating balanced meals with carbs throughout the day can help maintain steady energy levels.
Nutrition Handbook
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