Water in the metabolism

Since the body cannot maintain its cells and body fluids without water intake, drinking enough water is so vital. All nutrients are transported to their processing and destination within the body via the water. All metabolic breakdown products are also broken down by this important element    Bezeichnung für einen Reinstoff, der mithilfe chemischer Methoden nicht mehr in andere Stoffe zerlegt werden kann. Aufgrun.... In addition, water is constantly needed in the body for the kidneys, for breathing and to maintain body temperature. As a result, normal metabolic processes in the body constantly reduce the amount of water present.

Symptoms of water shortage

The body starts to sweat, especially when it is warm, during sporting activity or physical work. This results in increased water loss. The first signs are lack of concentration and tiredness. If the lack of water becomes more intense, the blood thickens. The circulation gets problems, the head starts to hurt. But physical performance also decreases enormously. This can lead to inflammation of the urinary tract, constipation and thrombosis. In the worst case, a collapse of the circulatory system with kidney failure can even threaten life.

The individually correct intake of water

Experts recommend drinking at least 1.5 liters of water throughout the day. Depending on physical activity and weather conditions, it can also be 2 or 3 liters. However, these are only guidelines, every body is individual. In addition to the recommended amount to drink, there is also a fluid intake through food. On average, about half a liter is assumed. This is very easy with fruit and vegetables. Cucumbers, for example, contain around 97% water and watermelons around 96% water. Both have almost the liquid effect on the body that a drink has. Soups are also a wonderful liquid alternative in the form of food.

Observe drinking temperature, especially in hot weather and during activity

Ice-cold drinks are particularly popular in hot weather. However, the cold in the mouth and throat causes the blood vessels to contract. In the short term, some head regions are no longer supplied with enough blood and water. This can cause a tension headache. However, not every body reacts so intensely to the cold. Nevertheless, it is advisable not to drink anything too cold and only to drink cold drinks in sips. Ice-cold drinks even cause a slight internal heating for a short time. Drinks at a pleasant room temperature or lukewarm teas are particularly suitable. As the average temperature in the body is around 37 degrees, they do not have to be “warmed up” first so that the body can utilize them optimally.

Drinking too much carries risks

Sufficient fluid intake is always recommended for good health. However, in rare cases, drinking too much can also be harmful to the body. Although there is no precise limit to the amount of liquid a healthy adult can drink, as a precautionary measure you can aim for a maximum of around 3 liters a day. Exception: The organism is exposed to an extreme situation due to heat and physical stress. Normally, a healthy adult excretes the excess fluids via the kidneys. However, the body must not get into a situation where fluids are absorbed so quickly that they can no longer be excreted quickly enough.

Water intoxication symptoms

On average, it can be assumed that the intestine can absorb around 200 ml of water per 15 minutes. However, as the stomach is “upstream”, this is only a rough guide. Even in healthy adults, hydrogen metabolism conditions can vary slightly from person to person. However, if a body finds itself in a situation where fluid is absorbed faster than it is released, this can in rare cases lead to so-called “water intoxication”. In this case, the blood is diluted too much. This causes its salt concentration to drop. In most cases, “overdrinking” initially “only” manifests itself with circulatory problems. However, muscle weakness, disorientation or epileptic seizures can also be caused by “water intoxication”. In the worst case, “water intoxication” can lead to cerebral edema or heart failure. Anyone who suffers from kidney disease or has problems with their liver should always talk to a doctor about the daily amount of fluid they should drink. In some clinical pictures, the water intake must be individually restricted.