Water
Functions
Water is vital for life - we can only survive a few days without it
All cells and body tissues contain water
All body fluids contain water
Many chemical reactions in the body use water
Body temperature is controlled by removing heat from the body during sweating
It is needed for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients from the small intestine into the body
It removes waste products from the body in the urine & faeces
It keeps the linings of the digestive system, mucous membranes & the lungs healthy & moist
It controls the concentration of substances, such as minerals, in the blood
It helps keep the skin moist & healthy
Sources
Tap/bottled Water
Found naturally in many foods
Added to some foods during preparation, cooking & processing
Deficiency
Water is lost during sweating, from the lungs in breath, and in the urine & faeces
It needs to be regularly replaced, so the body stays hydrated, especially in hot conditions or during exercise otherwise the body will start to dehydrate & suffer
Headache, dark urine, weakness, sickness, overheated, wrinkled skin, feeling confused, changes in blood pressure & heart rate
Excess
Concentration of substances in the blood, such as minerals, to become dangerously over-diluted
This can quickly affect the function of vital organs in the body, such as, the heart & kidneys, which can be fatal