In humans and animals, drinking refers to the intake of a liquid through the mouth. It is essential for survival and even more significant than the intake of solid food.
What is drinking?
During drinking, swallowing movements occur with visible movement of the larynx. In addition to water, numerous fluids can be supplied to the body. These include stimulants such as coffee or alcohol, fruit juices and tea, as well as milk, soups or liquid medicines. After the liquid substance has passed through the mouth, it enters the stomach via the esophagus and then the intestines. During this process, the intestinal walls are heavily perfused. The liquid is thus absorbed by the blood via the intestinal walls. The necessary amount of fluid, as well as contained nutrients and oxygen, are passed on for processing by other body cells as part of the body’s metabolic process. Finally, the residual fluid (without nutrients and containing some waste products) that can no longer be used by the body is excreted in the kidneys. At this stage, the fluid absorbed through drinking is called urine, which passes through the ureter into the urinary bladder. From it, excretion from the body then occurs.
Function and task
Drinking is a response to the human sense of thirst. However, attention should be paid to an adequate daily fluid intake even without the feeling of thirst. The functionality of the body, including the mental and spiritual state, depends in many ways on an adequate fluid intake. Besides breathing oxygenated air, drinking, especially water, is the second most important vital external supply to the human body. About two liters of water should be drunk daily to compensate for regular water loss and for the functionality of the body. In the case of great heat, occupationally strenuous activity or intensive sports, the consumption should be even higher. Sufficient water ensures the functionality of the body’s cells. This also keeps the immune system intact. Adequate fluid intake thins the blood and lowers blood pressure. This reduces the risk of thrombosis. Good blood flow can also transport necessary nutrients as well as oxygen as needed. The intensive blood flow to the brain cells promotes the ability to concentrate and remember and, with the messenger substance serotonin, ensures a good mood. The balanced water balance regulates the balance of acids and alkalis as well as the body temperature. The muscles remain efficient. With sufficient fluid, cellular waste products are also disposed of via metabolic processes. These include toxins such as uric acid. Drinking also stimulates the digestive process and provides the necessary lubricant in the crevices of the joints. An efficient support function of the connective tissue is also ensured by fluid intake. A continuously adequate drinking quantity ensures sufficient tear fluid for the protective wetting of the eyes. Even strong bones need sufficient fluid. Drinking water that is adequate on a daily basis and contains a balanced amount of minerals has a positive effect on health, vitality and the aging process. For these reasons, drinking water quality should be given high priority in nutrition.
Diseases and ailments
At birth, humans are composed of approximately 96 percent water. In adults, this predominant proportion is still about 70 percent, or about 43 liters of water. Through urine and feces excretion, sweating, breathing and tears, the body continuously loses fluid. Fluid loss is even more intense during intense heat and heavy physical exertion. The considerable importance of fluid intake through drinking as compensation is already evident from the fact that a person without drinking would be in danger of death after only a few days. Therefore, when symptoms of weakness occur, a glass of water is often hastily handed to the affected person. The first symptoms of deficiency, such as thirst, dry mouth or headaches, can occur even with a small loss of water. Especially on hot days, elderly people experience circulatory problems. Due to the lack of water in the body, the blood becomes more viscous. The heart has to make greater efforts to maintain undisturbed blood circulation. As a result, dizziness, shortness of breath and headaches can occur.This causes tingling in the legs and arms. Increasingly, the affected person feels dry mouth. In the case of water deficiency (dehydration), declining cellular activities cause a disturbance of the physical balance. All organs are affected, even the skin. From weak muscles to kidney failure, all disorders can occur. The lack of nutrients causes a functional impairment of the brain as a central control organ. The ability to think and concentrate is thus restricted. The lack of fluids also impairs metabolic processes, including toxin disposal. The excreted fluids also lead to a loss of minerals and salts, which is not adequately replaced when there is too little fluid. Sodium deficiency is particularly problematic and can lead to fatigue and subsequently dangerous neurological deficits. When cellular dehydration (water deficiency) exists, the body accumulates water in a protective reaction to neutralize against toxins and acids. The water accumulation can be seen as noticeable thickening on the legs, feet and arms. Dangers and damage to health and impaired performance can also be caused by incorrect or excessive amounts of fluids. Too much alcohol can damage the liver. It can also cause cardiac arrhythmias, inflammation of the pancreas or nerve damage. Sugary drinks, in the long run and in excess, can disturb the balance between healthy and unhealthy intestinal bacteria. They can also cause obesity. Too much caffeinated coffee, in turn, can cause heart palpitations and sleep disturbances. Drinking very cold liquids can cause stomach and intestinal problems. So it should be drunk daily in moderation, but enough. Drinks that are too cold or too hot should be consumed with caution, and water is indispensable. A responsible use of drinking water takes into account the importance of this basis of life.
