In the human body water serves many functions including acting as a medium for chemical reactions, carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells, regulating body temperature, hydration, and blood purification. Not of coincidence, water serves the same functions on and for Earth, but on a larger scale.
We cannot synthesize water in sufficient amounts to supply our daily needs thus water is considered an essential nutrient meaning it is a nutrient that must come from an outside source. Water is so essential that a week without it, you will probably die whereas a human could survive 3 weeks without food. The recommended daily fluid intake is about 8-10 cups (or 2.1-2.6 L/day) for adults- this includes all fluids; however, for better health it is highly recommended that you meet this need with mostly water.
Why do we need to replenish ourselves with water everyday? Just as the water on Mother Earth is in a constant state of evaporation, precipitation, and condensation (aka the water cycle), the human body is constantly cycling water in and out of the body- cool, right? We lose water everyday through urinating, breathing, transdermal diffusion, and in the metabolic pathways needed to function so it is important to supply yourself with fresh, clean water everyday so you can function at your best.
Now, what happens if we do not give our bodies this essential nutrient? Well, the symptoms are of no laughing matter and include: thirst, headaches, fatigue, mood swings, weakness, dry lips and nasal passageways, confusion, hallucinations and as mentioned before, eventually death. But fear not, there is plenty of water for everyone. Now that we know how much water we should be drinking, do your body a favor and give it all the water it needs and deserves. Water is life-a super nutrient. Cheers to a healthy and happy body and planet.
The blood of Earth
the Super Nutrient
Water
-Angel Christian Huerta, MS, RD
January 2017 - Health & Sustainable Living
100 - SEVENSEAS