IMPORTANCE OF WATER IN HUMAN DIET AND

HOW TO ASSESS THEM

-By Tanistha Khandelwal

 INTRODUCTION

• Water accounts for approximately 50–70 percent of body weight in humans.

• The total sum of water in the body is the sum of water– within the cells
(intracellular) and outside the cells (extracellular).
• However, this volume varies with body composition (lean and fat mass).
• This explores the significance of water in maintaining fluid balance,
thermoregulation, physical and cognitive performance, gastrointestinal
function, kidney function, and heart function.
 WATER AND ITS IMPORTANCE

• Water is a crucial element in our diet, obtained from various sources including
beverages, food, and metabolic processes. Serves as a chemical solvent, and a
substrate for hydrolytic reactions.
• A transport medium for nutrients and metabolic waste products.
• A shock-absorbent Lubricant (for example, to the gastrointestinal and
respiratory tracts).
• Water is the main component of blood, which delivers oxygen, nutrients, and
hormones.
• Establishing ideal water quantities for the body is challenging due to unsteady
factors that are difficult to measure and, at the same time, compensated by the
body's ability to regulate homeostasis.
 1. FLUID BALANCE

• Importance: Maintaining proper fluid balance is essential for overall health.

The body continuously loses water through processes like urination, sweating,
and respiration. Adequate water intake ensures that these losses are
replenished, preventing dehydration.

• Function: Water serves as the primary component of bodily fluids, regulating

the balance of electrolytes and helping to transport nutrients and oxygen to
cells. It also aids in removing waste products and toxins.
 2. THERMOREGULATION

• Importance: Water plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature. When

the body becomes overheated, it initiates the cooling process by inducing sweat
production. The evaporation of sweat helps dissipate heat, preventing
overheating and heat-related illnesses.

• Function: Sweat is primarily composed of water, and the process of sweating

allows the body to release excess heat. This is vital for maintaining a stable
internal body temperature
 3. PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

• Importance: Adequate hydration is essential for optimal physical

performance. Dehydration can lead to reduced endurance, muscle cramps, and
an increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

• Function: Water is crucial for muscle function and lubrication of joints.

Dehydration can impair muscle contractions and coordination.
 4. COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE

• Importance: Proper hydration is vital for cognitive function. Dehydration can

lead to difficulties in concentration, memory, and decision-making.

• Functions: Dehydration reduces blood volume and blood flow to the brain,
leading to decreased cognitive performance.
 5. GASTROINTESTINAL FUNCTION

• Importance: Adequate water intake is crucial for healthy digestion. Water is

involved in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and facilitating the
movement of waste through the digestive tract.

• Function: Water in the digestive system helps maintain the consistency of

stool and prevents constipation. It also supports the secretion of digestive
enzymes and the absorption of nutrients.
 6. KIDNEY FUNCTION

• Importance: The kidneys play a central role in maintaining fluid balance by

regulating the amount of water excreted in urine. Proper hydration is necessary
for normal kidney function.

• Function: Water helps transport waste products to the kidneys, where they are
filtered out and excreted as urine. Adequate hydration ensures the kidneys can
effectively remove toxins and maintain electrolyte balance.
 7. HEART FUNCTION

• Importance: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining cardiovascular

health. Blood volume is directly influenced by hydration status, which, in turn,
affects heart function.

• Function: Water makes up a significant portion of blood plasma. Maintaining

adequate blood volume ensures that the heart can efficiently pump blood
throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells.
 HYDRATION ASSESSMENT
TECHNIQUES:

A number of techniques commonly used for the assessment

of hydration status typically involve either – Whole body, blood, urinary, or sensory measurements
1. Isotope Dilution:
• Involves introducing a known amount of water isotopes into the body.
• Measures changes in isotope concentrations to estimate total body water.
• Suitable for research settings due to complexity and radiation exposure.
2. Neutron Activation Analysis:
• Uses neutron irradiation to measure total body water.
• Offers high precision but requires specialized equipment and is not practical for routine use.
3. Bioelectrical Impedance:
• Measures resistance to a low-level electrical current passed through the body.
• Estimates total body water based on electrical conductivity.
• Non-invasive and convenient for clinical settings.
4. Body Mass Change:
• Calculates hydration status by monitoring changes in body weight.
• Simple and cost-effective but may not capture subtle changes quickly.
5. Thirst Assessment:
• Subjective evaluation of thirst perception.
• Provides qualitative information about hydration status but is not highly precise.
6. Tracer Appearance:
• Involves tracking the appearance of orally ingested or intravenously administered
tracers in body fluids.
• Useful for research purposes but not practical for routine hydration assessment.
7. Hematologic Indices:
• Measures blood markers like hematocrit and hemoglobin.
• Changes may indicate dehydration or overhydration.
• Common in clinical settings.
8. Urinary Markers:
• Analyzes urine parameters such as color, specific gravity, and osmolality.
• Provides insights into recent hydration status.
 REFERENCE

• Armstrong, L. E. (2005). Hydration assessment techniques. Nutrition

Reviews, 63(6), 40–54.
• Popkin, B. M., D’Anci, K. E., & Rosenberg, I. H. (2010). Water, hydration, and
health. Nutrition Reviews, 68(8), 439–458.
THANK YOU