Health Matters With Francis Ezediuno: Expert Harps On Importance Of Water Consumption

It has been revealed that the inadequate water consumption or poor water drinking habit could make the body to end up with excess body fat, poor muscle tone, digestive complications, muscle soreness and water-retention problems.

Discussing at a recent programme organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, House of Glory Area, Osogbo, Mr. Peter Akinyele, a Physiologist stated that next to air, water is the element most necessary for survival, saying, according to investigation, a normal adult needs 60 to 70 per cent water, as the human body can go without food for almost two months, but without water only a few days.

He explained that without water, humans would have been poisoned to death by the wastes that are produced.

“When the kidneys remove uric acid and urea, these must be dissolved in water.  If there is not enough water, wastes are not removed and may build up as kidney stones.

“Water also is vital for chemical reactions in digestion and metabolism.  It carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells through the blood and helps to cool the body through perspiration.  Water also lubricates our joints.

“We even need water to breathe. Our lungs must be moist to take in oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide.  It is possible to lose a pint of liquid each day just exhaling”.

He also added that without the body getting sufficient water, every aspect of the human physiology can be impaired.

“By not drinking enough water, many people incur excess body fat, poor muscle tone and size, decreased digestive efficiency and organ function, increased toxicity in the body, joint and muscle soreness and water retention.”

Describing proper water intake as a key to weight loss, he disclosed that if people who are trying to lose weight don’t drink enough water, the body can’t metabolise the fat adequately, thus leading to fluid retention within the body which also keeps weight up.

“The minimum for a healthy person is eight to ten eight-ounce glasses a day. You need more if you exercise a lot or live in a hot climate.  Overweight people should drink in an extra glass, for every 25 pounds, they exceed their ideal weight and they should consult their physician for the necessary check up”.

He stressed that water intake should be spread throughout the day and evening, adding that by consuming eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day, a person could be on the way to a healthier, leaner body.