Water and Its Roles

It seems like every exercise routine or diet says to drink plenty of water, and this time they are absolutely right! Three-quarters of our entire body composition is water (one-quarter fat tissue) and we need it to power our normal bodily functions. Some of the functions include: Carrying nutrients and waste products, maintaining structure of large molecules, participating in metabolic reactions (condensation and hydrolysis), serving as a solvent, lubricating, aiding in body temperature (homeostasis=constant state), and maintaing blood volume. Where do we get water? We get it from obviously water, beverages, foods, condensation (building-up) reactions, and the oxidation of energy-yielding nutrients. The AI (Adequate Intake) of water for men is 3.7 Liters per Day and woman need 2.7 Liters per Day. Now, for a little chemistry review! I know you all are just jumping for joy! I'd assume most of you have heard of the pH scale and how it relates to chemistry, but did you know it also relates to our body? It's true, our stomach acid (Hydrochloric acid) is super acidosis! A neutral environment on the pH scale is 7, which is the pH of water. Your body is so precise that it needs to keep the pH of your body between 7.35 and 7.45. It is goes too acidic or basic, you will die. Water is so important and you need to be drinking more of it! We as Americans need to take advantage of our water supply because most people don't have the access we do. I hope this inspires you to go home and drink a glass because I know it made me. See you soon!