Why Water is Essential: What is Water and Why Do I Need It?
- chandy Rodgers
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
'Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function properly'
Author: Chandy Rodgers
As a nutritional therapist, one of the first things I discuss with a new client is not just what they eat, but how much water they drink. How hydrated you are will directly affect all the different systems in your body and how well they work, and consequently how well or unwell you feel. No matter the season, staying properly hydrated is essential for your health and wellbeing. Whether you're heading off on an overseas holiday or just going about your daily routine, this blog series offers a quick refresher on the importance of maintaining healthy fluid levels all year round.
Questions this blog series will answer include:
In this post I will be discussing what water is and why you need it.
What is water and why do I need it?
Water is more than just something to sip when you’re thirsty. It’s a chemical compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H₂O) and it makes up around 60% of your body weight. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to function properly.
Fun facts about the water in your body:
More than half your body is made of water
Your brain comprises of approximately 75% water
Your muscles comprise roughly 79% water
Your bones contain approximately 30% water
And your blood plasma, the liquid that carries all your blood cells (platelets, red and white) and accounts for over 55% of your blood—is more than 90% water!
What is hydration?
Throughout the day your body loses water, be it breathing, sweating, going to the toilet or crying. Hydration is simply the process of replacing these lost fluids. Staying well-hydrated means your body has enough fluid to keep all your body systems running smoothly from your blood circulation, to digestion, temperature control, and brain function.
What happens when you don't drink enough?
Failing to drink enough, or rehydrate adequately, will ultimately lead to dehydration. This happens when you don’t replace lost fluids meaning your body has to work even harder than usual; your blood gets thicker, you find it harder to regulate your temperature, your digestion gets sluggish and even your ability to focus and your mood can be impaired. Losing just 1-2% of your body weight in water can affect your ability to work, rest and play. And when it’s hot outside, you’re exercising or you are unwell, those losses happen even faster.
Can you drink too much water?
Surprisingly, yes. It’s called hyponatremia, and it happens when you drink so much water that you dilute your blood’s sodium levels. It’s rare but serious, fortunately you don't need to worry unless you are an endurance athlete, or you have suffered a bout of diarrhoea, and drunk lots of water without replacing lost electrolytes—it is unlikely to happen to you. For most people, the bigger risk is not drinking enough.
How much water should you be drinking each day?
Click on the button below to discover how much water you should be drinking and how this amount varies depending on your age, activity level, the climate, and your state of health. We will also have a look at what might contribute to dehydration, from sweating and illness to caffeine and medications.
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