Water and Life
Water is the most miraculous substance on Earth, essential for sustaining life and therefore of vital importance. Physically, it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. The significance of water for living beings, particularly in human life, is immense.
Humans cannot live without water. Water is a basic necessity preferably provided to everyone free of charge. On average, a person drinks 2–3 liters of water per day. The water consumption related to the food a person eats, however, ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 liters per day.
The human body largely consists of water. The proportion of water in our bodies changes throughout our lives. While a newborn baby’s body is 75% water, this proportion is 70% in children, 60% in adults, and 50% in the elderly. An adult requires 2–3 liters of water per day, some of which is obtained from food.
Water, an indispensable part of life, holds great importance ecologically, biologically, sociologically, culturally, and in many other aspects. Beyond being a chemical substance essential for the survival of humans, plants, and animals, water plays an integral role in life-support systems, economic development, societal welfare, and cultural values.
The Importance of Water in Human Life
- Water acts as a biological solvent, enabling the transport and dissolution of vitamins and minerals within the body.
- It plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature.
- Water is essential for moisturizing the skin, eliminating toxins, and cleansing the body.
- It facilitates kidney function and, as a lubricant, ensures the proper operation of many organs.
The Effects and Role of Water on the Human Body
To compensate for the water lost daily, experts recommend that an average person drink 6–8 glasses of water per day. The effects of water loss as a percentage of body weight are as follows:
- 1%: Thirst sensation, disruption of heat regulation, decreased performance
- 2%: Increased body heat, intensified thirst
- 3%: Significant disruption in heat regulation, extreme thirst
- 4%: 20–30% decrease in physical performance
- 5%: Headaches, fatigue
- 6%: Weakness, trembling
- 7%: Fainting if physical activity continues
- 10%: Loss of consciousness
- 11%: Possible death
The pH of Water
pH measures the amount of H+ ions and OH- ions in a liquid, evaluated on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Water with a pH below 7 is acidic, while water with a pH above 7 is basic.
Regulations for natural spring water deem a pH range of 6.5–9.5 as suitable. For natural mineral waters, no specific pH limit is mentioned in the regulations.
Water's Role in the Human Body
- The brain is 75% water (mild dehydration can cause headaches and dizziness).
- Water is necessary for breathing.
- It regulates body temperature.
- Water delivers nutrients and oxygen to all cells.
- Blood is 92% water.
- It humidifies oxygen for breathing.
- Water protects vital organs and acts as a cushion.
- It helps convert food into energy.
- It aids in nutrient absorption.
- Water removes waste products.
- Bones are 22% water, and muscles are 75% water.
Ways to Quench Thirst
The healthiest way to replenish the water lost by our bodies during the day is by drinking water itself. Although various beverages may meet some of the body’s needs, water is the most effective in quenching thirst and regulating bodily functions. Drinks like coffee, tea, and cola contain diuretics, which increase the amount of urine excreted, causing further water loss. Therefore, no other beverage can replace water.
The amount of water a person should drink depends on their body weight and activity level. However, the Turkish Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Nutrition and Physical Activities recommends consuming 8–10 glasses of water per day to eliminate harmful substances from the body and maintain fluid balance.
