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Functions of water

Water has a number of important functions:

Functions of water
  • Regulates body temperature – Water is required to help your body stay cool via perspiration. When your internal body temperature increases your body will sweat to allow you to cool down.
  • Helps prevent constipation – Water aids bowel movements, the more fluids you drink the easier your body will pass the stool.
  • Maintains blood pressure – The more water you drink, the more fluids leave your blood vessels, causing them to relax and your blood pressure to reduce.
  • Transports nutrients and oxygen to cells – Water is a main constituent of blood so carries and oxygen through the body.
  • Lubricates joints and protects body organs – Water keeps joints mobile and helps protect the spinal cord.
  • Excretion – Water helps the kidneys to flush out waste and by producing urine of different concentrations.
  • Metabolic reactions – Water participates in the biochemical breakdown of what we eat. For example, the absorption of and digestion. It also helps with swallowing as it is a major constituent of saliva.
  • Keeps the tissues in your body moist – For example, water helps to form tears, the eyes.

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