Water, the fuel of life

By Maureen Nakatudde

No matter how many times we are told to take enough water, we still cannot do it as needed. But when we are reminded of its benefit to our bodies, we either start taking it or those who have been taking small quantity increase their intake.

Some people do not even take a half of water required for our body. They believe taking tea and juice is good enough.

Allen Mukisa a secretary, says she has failed to take water. “Splash [a packed fruit juice] and quencher is what I take,” she says.

Godfrey Mwebe a medical doctor with TASO, Entebbe says a person should take at least 1.5 litters of water daily in addition to other drinks like juices and tea because water helps the body system to function well.

He says 70% of our bodies is water and therefore we have to consume it often and failure to do so can put the body at risk.

“Water is the center of our lives. You can stay 3-5 days without food, but you cannot survive without water,” Dr. Mwebe says.

Why you should take water?

Besides keeping you alive, water is essential in regulating the body temperature. “Water helps in cooling the body down when it is very hot. You can drink it or have a shower, all that cools down one’s body temperature.”

Do you want to look younger? Instead of spending money on cosmetics and surgery, look no further than a glass of water.

Sydney Senteza a nutritionist in Kampala says water keeps one’s skin and complexion glowing. This is so because it removes toxins and waste products from the body through sweat and urine excreta, which if not excreted can result in one having a rough skin. Water thus helps to rejuvenate the system.

Furthermore, water carries oxygen to the cells and failure to do so can lead to complications. When there is no water in the body oxygen is not transported, hence vital organs like the heart and brain may fail to perform normally.

This also applies to pregnant women and breast feeding mothers. They need to take much water for both the baby and themselves.

Moreover, water helps in dissolving the essential minerals and glucose so that they are absorbed by the body.

Water also combats flue and cough. Some people who have joint problems might be because of inadequate water in the body.

Water moisture and absorbs shock for vital organs like the eye, the brain, the spinal cord and even the fetus in the womb through the amoebic fluids. It also protects the body organs and tissues for example the liver- thick layers of water surround it.

In case you have constipation, the best treatment would be to check your water intake. Dr. Senteza says no matter what you have eaten for instance much meat and wheat related products, if you take enough water, it can easily be flashed out of the body and you stay healthy.

Some people struggle to loose weight, yet water can do that for them. Experts recommend that before you eat you take some water, which will enable you cut down the size of food, because you will easily get satisfied.

Dr. Senteza says taking warm water helps to melt the fats in the body passing them out through the urine.

For people who take fizzy drinks, Dr. Mwebe says it is not enough. Supplement other drinks with water.

Your immune system can sometimes be weak, but because you take enough water, it cleanses it and also distributes cells evenly in the body hence rejuvenating the system and the body is ready to fight diseases.

According to the World Organisation report of 2009, one out of every five deaths under the age of five worldwide is due to a water-related disease. Not only children die, adults too die due to lack of water in the body.

The United Nations statement by Secretary General Koffi Annan of 2003 reveals that 80% of illnesses are connected to poor water and sanitation conditions in LDCs.