Wellville Water
Gabi Clayton
5 Facts
- The total amount of water in the body of an average adult is 37 litres.
- Approximately 66% of the human body consists of water. Water exists within all our organs and it is transported throughout our body to assist physical functions.
- A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water. If a human does not absorb enough water dehydration is the result.
- A person must consume 2 litres of water daily to live healthily. Humans drink an average of 75.000 litres of water throughout their life.
- Water leaves the stomach five minutes after consumption.
Myths
- Everyone needs to drink eight glasses of water a day: The Institute of Medicine recommendation is that women should strive for about two liters or eight glasses a day and men should aim for three liters or 12 glasses a day of any fluid, not just water.
- You need sports drinks, not water, to function at a high level in athletics: Sports drinks may have fancier advertising campaigns, but water is really all you need to get the fluid necessary to participate in most athletic endeavors. “Adequate fluid, especially water, is most important for athletes of all ages as it is the single most important way the body has to transport nutrients and energy and remove heat during exercise,” says Chavent.
Trivia
- You should never drink water straight from a lake or river, as it can be damaging to your health.
- More than 2 billion people on earth do not have a safe supply of water.
- Water regulates the temperature of the human body.
- Water can cause serious health damage when it is contaminated by bacteria and other microrganisms.
- Your drinking water may be fluoridated to help prevent dental cavities.
Dehydration
If you become mildly to moderately dehydrated while working outside or exercising:
- Stop your activity and rest. Get out of direct sunlight and lie down in a cool spot, such as in the shade or an air-conditioned area.
- Drink a rehydration drink, water, juice, or sports drink to replace fluids and minerals.