BY VALERIE POIRIER, CERTIFIED NUTRITIONIST
When we think about water, it’s usually in the context of staying hydrated — replenishing lost nutrients after a good workout or cooling us off on a hot summer day. But water does a lot more for our bodies than just quench our thirst. Let’s dive into some of the amazing roles water plays in keeping us healthy and feeling our best.
REGULATES BODY TEMPERATURE
One of the most important roles water plays is to help keep our body temperature in check. When we sweat and breathe, water helps us get rid of excess heat, keeping us from overheating. So, when we get hot, we sweat, and as the sweat evaporates, it cools us down.
Water also helps our bodies regulate our internal temperature in response to the temperature outside.
PROTECTS TISSUES AND ORGANS
Water acts as a protective shield for our tissues and organs. It keeps our joints lubricated and cushioned, helping to prevent damage. Staying hydrated is especially important for our brain, spinal cord, and eyes — they all need plenty of water to function properly. By keeping these areas moist and protected, water ensures everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
FACILITATES DIGESTION AND NUTRIENT ABSORPTION
Water is vital in the digestive process. It helps break down food, allowing our bodies to absorb nutrients effectively. Saliva, which is mostly water, initiates the digestion process by breaking down carbohydrates. In the stomach, water helps dissolve soluble fiber and nutrients, making them easier to absorb in the intestines. Staying properly hydrated ensures that our digestive system functions well, preventing issues like constipation and indigestion.
DETOXIFIES THE BODY
Water is a crucial element in the body’s detoxification processes. It aids the kidneys in filtering out waste products from the blood and excreting them as urine. Proper hydration is essential for the kidneys to function efficiently and to prevent the accumulation of harmful substances in the body. Additionally, water helps eliminate toxins through sweat and respiration.
TRANSPORTS NUTRIENTS AND OXYGEN
Blood, which is approximately 90% water, plays a key role in transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells throughout the body. Water helps maintain the blood’s volume, ensuring it can flow easily through blood vessels and reach every part of the body.
This transportation system is crucial for delivering essential nutrients and oxygen that our cells need to function correctly.
MAINTAINS ELECTROLYTE BALANCE
Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride
are essential for various bodily functions, including muscle contraction and nerve function. Water helps maintain the balance of these electrolytes in the body. Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, causing symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, and confusion. Staying well-hydrated ensures that our electrolyte levels remain stable.
SUPPORTS CELLULAR FUNCTIONS
Every cell in our body relies on water to function correctly. Water is involved in numerous cellular processes, including energy production, protein synthesis, and regulation of cell volume. Without adequate water, these processes can be disrupted, leading to impaired cellular function and overall health. As you can see, water plays a vital role in maintaining our health, from regulating body temperature and protecting essential organs to aiding digestion, nutrient absorption, and detoxification. Recognizing these functions highlights the importance of staying well- hydrated and appreciating the critical role water plays in our daily lives. So the next time you drink a glass
of water, remember that you’re not just satisfying your thirst — you’re doing good for your body by supporting a wide range of its essential functions.
