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# from breastmilk, formula, food, plain water and other beverages whether you’re pregnant or breastfeedingĠ.8 litres total (with 0.6 litres as fluids).The amount of fluid your body needs each day depends on several factors, such as: The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that we drink plenty of water but how much is enough? The remaining 70% or so of water required by the body must come from fluids (liquids). Water sourced this way can provide around 10% of the body’s water requirements. The process of digesting foods also produces a small amount of water as a by-product which can be used by the body. The body can get about 20% of its total water requirements from solid foods alone. Most foods, even those that look hard and dry, contain water. Serve as a shock absorber inside the eyes, spinal cord and in the amniotic sac surrounding the foetus in pregnancy.Moisturise the skin to maintain its texture and appearance.Aid digestion and prevent constipation.Reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis by keeping the bladder clear of bacteria.Moisten mucous membranes (such as those of the lungs and mouth).Regulate body temperature through sweating.Help eliminate the by-products of the body’s metabolism, excess electrolytes (for example, sodium and potassium), and urea, which is a waste product formed through the processing of dietary protein.Keep the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through blood vessels.Maintain the health and integrity of every cell in the body.Water is needed for most body functions, including to: An air traveller can lose approximately 1.5 litres of water during a three-hour flight.Elderly people lose about 2 litres per day.Water loss may increase in hot weather and with prolonged exercise. Most mature adults lose about 2.5 to 3 litres of water per day.Body water content is higher in men than in women and falls in both with age.Some facts about our internal water supply include: The amount we need depends on our body size, metabolism, the weather, the food we eat and our activity levels. Water forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones.Īs the body can’t store water, we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from the lungs, skin, urine and faeces (poo). The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water.
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