#HEALTHTALK 10: Water and it's health benefits

Water is an essential liquid that is needed in the body. It is gotten through the bond between hydrogen (the first element in the periodic table) and oxygen (the eighth element in the periodic table). It has it's chemical formula as H2O. It is in no doubt a necessity for life because it is the foundation of all living creatures.

Water is very important to both plants and animals because of its rejuvenating nature.

The body of man is made up of water. Scientific studies have revealed that humans are 60% water, and their blood is made up of about 90% water.

From the genesis of life, water has  proven to be very important. Did you know that the whole earth is made up of 71% water?

Also, for Christians, did you know that based on Moses' account of creation in the book of Genesis, water is the only portion of the earth that was not created, but was rather used by God to create things?

Soucre: Pexels

Why Do We Need Water?

We need clean Water that is colourless, odourless and tasteless daily for the following reasons:

1.   Water helps to deliver oxygen to the body through the blood.

2.   Water is involved in the production of neurotransmitters and hormones.

3.   It helps to regulate body temperature and pressure.

4.   Dehydration can cause problems in the digestive system and poor bowel movements.

5.   Water is a solvent that is necessary for removal of waste products of metabolism.

6.   Dehydration increases the risk of allergies and asthma.

7.   Water flushes ketone bodies.

8.   It is needed for the transport of materials in the body.

9.   Saliva and mucous are formed with water.

10.  When hydrated always, it makes the skin glow and keeps your health intact. Water also helps skin health by preventing wrinkles and skin disorders.

11.  Water also lubricates the joints.

12.  It helps to prevent kidney damage. Some infections like urinary tract infections (UTI) can be prevented by drinking enough water.

Source: Pexels

13.  Water assists in weight reduction, when you take it after exercises, instead of fizzy drinks.

The benefits of water are numerous because water is indispensable.

Nevertheless, dirty water is not healthy.

We sometimes skip drinking water because we are not thirsty. But some studies show that water should be consumed liberally, not until the body calls for it.

How do we get water in the body? 

1.   We get water through the food we eat.

2.   Water is best gotten through drinking.

3.   Some beverages.

4.   Fruits and vegetables.

It is estimated that men take in about 3.7 litres of water a day while women take in about 2.7 litres of water a day. And daily, water/fluid output is same quantity as input.

Moreover, People with high activity levels are to drink more water than those with low activity levels.

Water is needed when the weather is hot.
It is needed when there is fever, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Water is also essential after activities that lead to sweating and water loss through saliva, example, after giving a long speech.

Some Facts About Water

• That men have more water than women, as a percentage.
• Lean tissue has more water than fatty tissue. 
• Babies are born about 78% water, but this falls after some months to 65% by the age of one (1). So, Babies and children have a higher percentage of water than adults. 

In conclusion, 3-4 litres of water a day can keep you healthy and away from the doctor.


Lilian Eze is a Nutritionist-Dietitian and teacher in Lagos, Nigeria. She is also a Lead Content Creator at The Paul Anunaso Blog, and can be reached at lilian.thepaulanunasoblog@gmail.com