Water is the most abundant element in the body and represents about 2/3 of body weight.

Its role is often underestimated, and dehydration is not taken into account by people. Dehydration not only alters sports performance, but also has a negative effect on health.

Just think that the blood contains about 8% of the total amount of water in our body, and that all our cells contain an average of 28l of water.

Here is why it is so essential for life:

1.

Water absorbs and releases large amounts of heat before its temperature changes in an apprezable manner.
Thus prevents abrupt changes in body temperature that may occur following sun exposure, frosty winds or energetic muscle activity.

2.

Water molecules are polar, and because of this it is an excellent solvent, this means that in it they can be dissolved minor quantities of other substances (solute), resulting in a solution.

This is crucial for our body, because the molecules of our organism can react chemically only in solution, therefore all chemical reactions of our organism happen thanks to water.

3.

Water acts as a means of transport and exchange in our body. Molecules that act as lubricants in our body as mucus and synovial fluid, they use water as a solvent.

4.

In some types of chemical reactions, for example to digest food, water mlecules are added to break the bonds of larger molecules (hydrolysis reaction).

5.

Water also performs protective functions: it surrounds the brain to protect it from physical trauma, and in the amniotic fluid, it plays a similar role in protecting the fetus.

6.

Derivatives of fat metabolism are ketones. They are usually used to produce energy, especially in the absence of carbohydrates.

If you are looking to lose weight, the fats from which the ketones are derived, are the fats stored in your fat cells that your body is trying to burn.

Ketones are expelled from the body by breath, stool or urine.
So the more water you drink, the more urine you produce, the more ketones (and therefore fats) you will expel from your body.

7.

Do not drink cold water during meals. Experiments show that drinking cold water during meals makes you eat more food and faster.
Instead, drink before and between meals.

8.

Drinking a glass of cold water from 15 to 30 minutes before a meal instead, reduces hunger and consequently makes you eat less.

9.

You should drink one glass of water every half hour, for a total of at least 2l of water per day. Some research suggests drinking 1l  of water per 15kg of body weight. So if you weigh 75kg, you should drink 5l of water per day.

10.

Don’t wait for thirst: thirst is a symptom of dehydration. Drink before you feel thirsty.

Conclusion.

Water is obviously also present in the blood, and if you practice sports, being hydrated is essential.

This is because dehydration leads to a decrease in blood volume (due to a loss of fluid through sweat), and thus the body must come to a compromise between maintaining blood flow to the muscles, and the blood supply to the surface of the
skin to disperse the heat.

Usually the body decides to reduce the blood supply to the skin, causing an increase in body temperature, which, if increased dramatically, it can lead to consequences such as hallucinations or circulatory collapse.