Water. This clear, tasteless liquid is vital to our health. It is the main component of the human body with approximately 2/3 of the human body consisting of water. Consuming an adequate amount of water benefits the body in numerous ways, below are just a few of those benefits:
- Moisturizes the air in lungs
- Helps with metabolism
- Protects our vital organs
- Helps our organs to absorb nutrients better
- Regulates body temperature
- Detoxifies
- Protects and moisturizes our joints
- Fluid retention is alleviated
- Liver functions improve, which increases the percentage of fat used for energy(fat loss)
- Appetite decreases significantly
- Metabolic functions improve
- Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells
The sum of all of the previously stated benefits can equal a much improved state of health and fitness. Every cell in your body needs water from head to toe. That is why it is so important to drink enough fluid. An individual should drink at minimum 64 ounces of water a day. Individuals who are trying to decrease body fat should up their water intake by an additional 8 or more ounces per day. Increased exercise levels, especially in hot weather, also create a need to increase water consumption. Overall, the human body performs daily functions more efficiently with adequate amounts of water intake.
It is especially important for nurses to consume plenty of water so that they can perform at optimal levels no matter what shift they are working. Fatigue and headache can be a sign of dehydration. Drink water at every break and throughout your shift so that you stay hydrated and keep your body and your mind functioning at its best.
by Tara Trofholz, BS in Exercise Physiology, Team Manager at Medical Solutions