Water is obtained from some of the foods we eat. These are foods that are 85 to 95% water. Some water is obtained from the by-products of metabolism. But our main source of water is our drinking water, which is the best source. Water is also obtained from soup, milk, and juices. Alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine (such as coffee, tea, and colas) are not the best choices because they have a diuretic (water-excreting) effect.
Water makes up more than two thirds of the weight of the human body. Without water, humans would die in a few days. All the cell and organ functions depend on water for functioning. It serves as a lubricant and forms the base for saliva and the fluids that surround the joints. Water regulates the body temperature, as the cooling and heating is distributed through perspiration. Water helps to alleviate constipation by moving food through the intestinal tract and thereby eliminating waste.
Six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water,
or half of the body weight in ounces, are recommended on a daily basis. For
example, if you weight 140 lbs, you will need 70 ounces of water. Milk, juice,
and soup can not be substituted for the entire water requirement. Caffeinated
and alcoholic beverages (due to their diuretic effect) would not be appropriate
substitutes at all.
Carrying a water bottle and drinking at regular intervals will help you to
obtain the required amount of water your body needs.
If adequate water is not consumed on a daily basis the body fluids will be out of balance, causing life-threatening dehydration.
Individuals with eating disorders are more prone to dehydration than the general population due to the behaviours associated with the illness, particularly purging, over-exercise and abuse of laxatives and/or diuretics. If the individual is already malnourished, this may serve to exacerbate the effects of dehydration.
Dehydration means the body does not have enough fluids to function at an optimal level. Dehydration can be caused by fluid loss (through vomiting, diarrhea or excessive urination), inadequate intake, or a combination of both. The most common cause of dehydration in infants and children is acute gastroenteritis, with its associated vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the percentage of body weight lost during the acute illness: Depending on age, Mild dehydration -- a loss of 3-5% of body weight Moderate dehydration -- a loss of 6-10% of body weight Severe dehydration -- a loss of more than 9-15% of body weight. This is a life-threatening emergency!
Symptoms include sunken eyes, dry or sticky mucous membranes in the mouth, the skin may lack its normal elasticity and sag back into position slowly when pinched up into a fold, decreased or absent urine output, decreased tears, deep and rapid breathing and, in severe cases, lethargy and coma.