The human organism consists to a large extent of water. Therefore, the daily fluid intake and a good water balance is of great relevance. Water performs various functions in the body and is irreplaceable.
What is water balance?
The human organism consists to a large extent of water. That is why daily fluid intake and good water balance is of great relevance. The proportion of water in the human body depends significantly on age. Infants, for example, have a proportion of 75 percent, while it decreases with advancing years and accounts for about 65 percent in an adult person. On average, this is about 45 liters. Seniors, on the other hand, have 50 percent water. The decrease of fluid in the organism is related to the increase of fat cells and restructuring of connective tissue. 70 percent of the fluid remains inside cells, while 30 percent is outside cell membranes. For example, the brain, blood, liver and muscles require a lot of water. The term water balance describes both the absorption of fluid and its release, as occurs, for example, through urination (micturition) and sweating. Water is absorbed primarily through drinks and food. The water must be removed from the body after some time, as the body releases various metabolic products into the water, such as urea and salt. In order to keep the water balance constant, sufficient amounts of water must be drunk. It is estimated that adults lose 1.5 liters within 24 hours. Depending on external factors, such as high temperature, this value can increase.
Function and task
Water performs numerous functions. The largest portion serves to transport various nutrients. With the help of water, these can penetrate to the individual cells and supply them. In addition, the liquid is needed to flush various degradation products out of the body. These are first passed on to the blood vessels and kidneys and then removed. In the process, some end products of metabolism can only be dissolved if sufficient water is available. Insufficient intake can therefore result in complaints. In general, water is a means of transport in the human body. In addition, it regulates the body temperature, which, varying from person to person, should be constantly between 36 – 37°C. The temperature can be changed by various factors, whereby, for example, climatic conditions play a role. In order to prevent the heat of the organism from changing, the temperature can be regulated with the help of sweating. Because it is only possible for humans to function physically within a certain temperature range, sweating is a vital process. Temperatures above 41 degrees would already threaten heat stroke, which can result in death. Distributed over the entire body, about two million sweat glands can be located on the skin. Physical exercise generates heat, which must be conducted outside so that the body does not overheat. Initially, sweat is excreted, which is distributed. As soon as the liquid film evaporates due to the body temperature, evaporative cooling occurs. The brain continuously takes care of the right temperature by checking it and adjusting it as needed with the help of receptors. Which amounts of sweat are released is thus directly dependent on the duration and intensity of a sports unit, the ambient temperature or, for example, the height of a fever.
Diseases and complaints
Ideally, there is a balance of fluid intake and excretion. It is spoken of the water balance. If, for example, there is increased water output due to exercise and this is not balanced, dehydration is possible. Dehydration results in various manifestations such as palpitations, muscle cramps and unconsciousness. In particularly severe cases, death cannot be ruled out. In general, dehydration can affect anyone at different stages of life. However, unlike children and seniors, adults are relatively less sensitive to water loss. If the body lacks water, deficiency symptoms also become noticeable due to a lack of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.Accordingly, athletes should make sure to generously replenish their water balance after each session. The same applies to particularly warm temperatures, which lead to increased sweat loss. If dehydration has already occurred, those affected should take water in small sips to avoid further complaints. In addition to dehydration, hyperhydration also exists. This is also an unbalanced water balance, as the excess of water is greater than that of salt. Such a condition can be triggered, for example, by renal or cardiac insufficiency. In addition to edema, weight gain is also noticeable. In hypokalemia, although sufficient water is supplied, it is also increasingly lost through the intestines in the form of diarrhea or due to vomiting. Those affected suffer from cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Measuring laboratory values and pH levels can provide information and assess the state of health. If there is a disturbance of the water balance, further symptoms may follow. Therefore, it is important that the underlying cause is always treated or prevented. Otherwise, an unbalanced water balance has a negative influence on various bodily functions. In addition to an increased deposition of cholesterol, such a condition also affects blood sugar or blood pressure. Too much cholesterol constricts the blood vessels and may lead to a heart attack. The best prevention is first an adequate intake of water.
