One of the first things astronauts look for when searching planets is water because it means the planet can sustain life. NASA scientists found that all living things need water, and it makes up a huge portion of the human body. In fact, according to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, up to 60% of the human adult body is water. The brain and heart are 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water.
With these numbers, the urgent need for clean drinking water is no surprise— life depends on it. Here are a few benefits of drinking enough water.
Water Regulates Body Temperature
When your body temperature rises, you get sweat; sweat is the main way water regulates your temperature and prevents you from overheating. Water is perfect for the job because of its unique properties. NASA’s Climate Science Investigation (CSI) says water has a high heat capacity—higher than any other liquid other than ammonia. Due to water’s atomic structure and strong hydrogen bond, it takes higher heat and energy to increase its temperature.
Water Lubricates Joints and Muscles
You can thank synovial fluid for lubricating your joints and muscles. Without it, your cartilage decreases and friction increases between bones leading to arthritis. Water is an essential component of Synovial fluid, along with Hyaluronic Acid (HA.) When HA binds with water and several other materials, it creates a viscous fluid that lubricates your bones and muscles and protects your spinal cord. Without water, HA wouldn’t work correctly. When bound with water, HA brings additional benefits such as healthy skin.
Water Gets Rid of Waste in Your Body
Kidneys are responsible for filtering and removing waste from your body, using water as a transporter. After the kidney filters out toxins from your body, water carries those toxins and flushes them out. Water is essential to functioning kidneys. If they don’t function properly, excess fluids and waste products build up leading to kidney failure.