In this Section:
Importance of Water
Dehydration Causes
Dehydration Symptoms
Prevent Dehydration
Fluid Retention
Sodium and Potassium


Water has many functions in your body:

• Transports vitamins, minerals, amino acids, glucose, hormones, enzymes and other substances throughout your body
  
• Assists chemical reactions such as the burning of glucose and the breakdown of fat for energy
  
• Carries digestive juices
  
• Lubricates joints, eyeballs, nasal passages, and the intestines
  
• It's a shock absorber for your eyes, spinal cord
  
• Maintains your body temperature - Cools it by evaporation from the skin and lungs, throws off heat when blood is circulated near the body's surface - Helps maintain warmth in winter
  
• Removes wastes through the kidney and helps solid wastes pass through the intestines
  
• Adequate fluid intake helps prevent kidney stones

Did You Know?

Water makes up 50-60% of body weight. All body cells equals 40% of body weight.

Did You Know?

Outside of cell equals 15% of body weight. The fluid portion of the blood equals 5% of body weight.