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It is easy to overlook water, yet it is a critically important essential nutrient/macronutrient because the body cannot produce all the water it needs on its own. Water is contained in foods and beverages that are consumed as well as produced through metabolic reactions at the cellular level. We'll have more to say about water as we look more closely at aging and nutrition.
Water has many functions... here are some of the most important for human health:
- carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells
- flush bacteria from your bladder
- aid digestion
- prevent constipation
- keep blood pressure normal
- cushion joints
- protect organs and tissues
- regulate body temperature
- maintain balance of electrolytes such as sodium.
Figure 1: Water. Source: ronymichaud@pixabay
For healthy people, about 4 to 6 cups (8 ounces per cup) of water daily is a good goal. (Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink.)
Here's another useful resource- an infographic from the Cleveland Clinic: Color of Urine Infographic.
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