Water and hydration Flashcards
What percentage of the human body is made up of water?
Around 60% of the human body is water.
Why is water important for the body?
It helps with digestion, temperature regulation, waste removal, and transporting nutrients.
How much water should an adult drink per day?
Around 2 litres (6-8 glasses) per day, but more if exercising or in hot weather.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
Thirst, dark urine, dizziness, headaches, tiredness, and dry skin.
What are the long-term effects of dehydration?
Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, constipation, and poor concentration.
What is overhydration (water intoxication)?
Drinking too much water too quickly, leading to an imbalance of salts in the body.
What happens to urine color when hydrated properly?
It should be pale yellow; dark yellow means dehydration.
How does the body lose water?
Through sweating, urination, breathing, and digestion.
What foods have high water content?
Cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, tomatoes, and soups.
Why is water important for digestion?
It helps break down food and move it through the digestive system.
How does water help regulate body temperature?
It cools the body down through sweating.
What drinks contribute to hydration?
Water, milk, herbal teas, and diluted fruit juices.
Why should sugary drinks be limited for hydration?
They can cause dehydration due to high sugar content and lead to tooth decay.
How does caffeine affect hydration?
It can have a mild diuretic effect, increasing urine production, but in moderate amounts, it still hydrates.
Why do athletes need more water?
They lose more fluids through sweat and need extra hydration to maintain performance.
What role does water play in blood circulation?
It helps transport oxygen and nutrients around the body.
What happens to the brain when dehydrated?
It can cause headaches, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue.
Can you get water from food?
Yes, around 20-30% of daily water intake comes from food.
Why is water important for kidney function?
It helps flush out toxins and prevents kidney stones.
What are electrolytes, and why are they important?
Minerals like sodium and potassium that help maintain fluid balance in the body.
