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Hello steemians. Today, we will be looking at an interesting article concerning you and your health. Read through and find out why drinking water is very important. Let's go!

WATER

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Water is often believed to be the elixir of life. It is a substance that is very essential for the proper functioning of the body. Water constitutes about 60% of a person's weight. It serves as a medium of transport of oxygen, nutrients, minerals, plasma and other essential substance needed by the body to survive. Water is a media in which every cell, tissue, and system in the body needs to function properly and survive.

IMPORTANCE OF WATER

Water is responsible for so many of the important functions that goes on in the body. Some include;

• IT HELPS IN THE PRODUCTION OF SALIVA
  Saliva is a liquid that is made up majorly of water, and some enzymes, mucus and electrolytes. It is important in the breaking down of food that goes into the mouth. The body system often produces adequate amount of saliva according to our regular intake of fluids. Sometimes a decrease in the amount of saliva produced which can be identified as dryness of the mouth, can be as a result of dehydration.

• IT HELPS IN PREVENTING CONSTIPATION-
  Having enough water in the system can help aid easy and free bowel movement. Most times when our system is dehydrated especially after eating a heavy meal often solids, without taking enough water. We experience constipation. This shows that apart from eating foods rich in fibers, water also helps prevent constipation.

• IT REGULATES OUR BODY TEMPERATURE-
  Water also helps in regulating our body temperature. We loose a lot of fluids when we sweat especially in a hot environment or doing intense physical activity. Sweating is a homeostatic process which helps keep our body system cool. However, failure to replenish water lost through sweating could also increase our body temperature. This is because some plasma, ions and electrolytes are being lost due to the dehydration.

• IT ENABLES THE KIDNEY TO FUNCTION PROPERLY-
  The kidney is an important organ which helps filters metabolic wastes through urination and defecation. Adequate water intake is necessary for the better functioning of the kidney as it uses it for the reabsorption and ultrafiltration of body fluids and wastes.

All these and more are some of the importance of water.

NEED TO STAY HYDRATED

According to study.com

Hydration means adding back water that has been lost. In general, this means drinking liquids or eating watery foods to add back the water the human body loses through breathing, sweating, and eliminating waste.Source

It is the body's capacity to absorb fluids especially water, the essential substance it requires, based on how much is available to it. The body loses water on a daily basis through sweating, exhaling, urinating and excretion. All these can make a person's dehydrated. And that is why it is necessary to stay hydrated

Staying hydrated according to study.com means

Getting enough water, usually through eating or drinking, to keep the body working as it should.Source1)

They went further to explain that

Different people need different amounts of water, depending on their body composition, level of activity, and other factors. An athlete will need more water to stay hydrated than a sedentary person. A taller or larger person will need more water to stay hydrated than someone who is petite.source

Also one can easily become dehydrated due to a lot of factors like; environment, working conditions, seasons and weather conditions and type of activities. And so, it is very necessary and important to always remain hydrated.

HOW WE CAN STAY HYDRATED

• Take a Glass of Water Every Morning-

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This helps sets the system for the day, clear any germs and bacterial that could be in your system especially your wind pipe and gives you an energy boost.

• Take a Glass of Water Before and After Meals-

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Water aids digestion. It is very important to do this before and after meals to remain hydrated, especially after a solid meal.

• Consciously Follow and Observe your Body Signs-
  Sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger. This is very wrong. And then we tend to overeat when thirsty thinking it is hunger. Consciously observe yourself and know when your hungry or thirsty.

1. Set a target for the day-
   We are required to take at least 3-4 liters of water daily. Try to see it as a daily goal to achieve.

2. Observe the Colour of your Urine-
   Dark coloured Urine can be a sign of hydration. We should check the colour of our urine every morning to know our hydration status.
   
   

CONCLUSION

The importance of staying and remaining hydrated can not be overstated. We should try to drink lots of water daily as the body needs it to perform various functions.