To maintain a good health it is essential to consume water. The adult body is consists of nearly 60% water, this makes clear why the organs in the body, for example the brain, kidneys, and heart cannot function properly if they are lacking enough water. Dehydration or excessive loss of water makes the body ‘feel’ uncomfortable and can be life threatening in some cases. After reaching an improved understanding of the magnitude water has with the body, the functions it supports and what transpires when dehydration occurs; an individual will make certain hydration is maintained.
Every tissue in the body includes water to some point. Water inside of cells is considered as intracellular fluid whereas water outside of the cells is considered extracellular fluid. The extracellular fluid contributes to the body’s total water weight. A significant aspect to recognize about the water in the body is the water never stops moving or working within the body. As the body realizes a specific place of the body needs water, the body moves the water to the location of need from an area with an elevated concentration of water. This process is referred to as osmosis; an individual’s blood pressure aids the osmosis as it moves the water from area to area of the body.
Water is regarded as a solvent for dissolving material needed for appropriate functioning of the body. These functions include: minerals, amino acids, and glucose. The metabolism is aided with water, “equalizing the concentration of dissolved particles” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, p. 282). Another event that takes place within the body with water is that it lubricates and cleanses the body, inside and outside. Water is a type of absorber for shock in the joints as well as the eyeballs. The most observable place water is found in the body is in the blood supply where it aids delivery of oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body. “Water is important in maintaining body temperature. The fact that water holds heat and changes temperature slowly helps keep body temperature constant, but water is also more actively involved in temperature regulation” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, p. 283). As the body stops working to move adequate amounts of water to a needed area the body begins to malfunction, causing a ‘ill feeling’ or in some cases of extreme dehydration, death. An individual’s normal temperature is 98.6 degrees. When temperatures of 108 degrees or above, or 80 degrees or below death is probable. For that reason, sustaining a balanced temperature is crucial and vital for life. In the event the body begins to overheat, it begins to sweat. When sweating begins “the blood vessels in the skin dilate, causing blood to flow close to the surface where it can release some of the heat to the surrounding air” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, p. 283). This is the only way the body loses the water supply. However, the body releases water by urination, feces, evaporations from the skin and lungs. Ingestion of water must sufficiently balance with the loss of water. The feeling of thirst is the most obvious way an individual’s body reminds him or her that it needs more water. When the mouth develops a dry sensation, the brain is sending a warning sign that water is needed. Nevertheless, an individual cannot rely exclusively on this sensation to guarantee satisfactory water consumption. The source of water consumed is important when taking into consideration the water source as a number of beverages can lend a hand in reaching dehydration although these beverages contain water. One example of this type of beverage is alcohol, it “inhibits the activity of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), increasing water loss. Some of the effects of a ‘hangover’ are from consuming too much alcohol are due to dehydration” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, p. 284). As mentioned earlier, the body loses water through urination, it can be beneficial to be aware of the kidney’s will send a signal to the brain indicating water is needed and a lack of water is occurring in the body. If the needed amount of water for the body to function adequately is not met the kidneys will not be able to perform their required function adequately. Symptoms of life threatening dehydration are “thirst, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, dry eyes and mouth, and dark colored urine” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, p. 285). To avoid such occurrences the recommended water consumption per day is 2.7 liters for females and 3.7 liters. If the body loses 10% to 20% of its total weight in water it could be life threatening and lead to death. When the body lacks water in the blood supply, it becomes hindered to supply the oxygen and nutrients needed throughout the body. The obvious indications of dehydration are the feeling of thirst, headache, and loss of appetite, dry mouth, dry eyes, or dark urine. More serious symptoms will occur if the beginning symptoms are not addressed near the beginning, these symptoms are impaired thinking and performance of physical tasks. Again if these symptoms are not addressed more serious symptoms occur, which include nausea, impaired concentration, confusion, and even disorientation. It is imperative to avoid depletion of fluids in the body because in a way the body becomes distressed and is ‘telling’ the individual it needs water or a possible unwanted occurrence is likely to follow if the individual ignores the symptoms of dehydration. Electrolytes are “ions which conduct an electrical current” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, p. 287). These electrolytes control nerve impulses either with a positive or negative ‘force’. Three types of electrolytes found within the body are sodium, potassium, and chloride. Potassium and sodium are positive ions, potassium is inside the cells with a higher level then outside the cell whereas sodium stays on the outside of the cell. An individual’s kidneys are the initial source for electrolyte adaptation within the body. The sodium level directly influences the blood pressure that needs to be regulated to keep away from health issues such as a stroke or heart attack. Electrolytes can be depleted by sweating, diarrhea and vomiting, or excessive kidney wastes. The symptoms of electrolyte deficiency are “muscle cramping, confusion, apathy, constipation, and eventually irregular heartbeat” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, p. 291). By supplying enough electrolytes when replenishing water to the body it will aid in avoiding these symptoms. In avoidance of dehydration it is essential to consume the daily recommended amount of water while ensuring electrolyte adequacy. By watching the body temperature will aid in warding off dehydration by allowing the body to lose or maintain insufficient amounts of water to counteract extreme changes of temperature. It is imperative to keep in mind the body is using the existing water supply within itself; as a result, during all embracing exercise or extensive variations of temperature supplying the body with additional water will help in the avoidance of dehydration.

References
Grosvenor, M. B., & Smolin, L. A. (2006). Nutrition: Everyday choices. Hoboken, New Jersey:
John Wiley & Sons.