Why is "water" more important than "food"? Everyone only knows that they need to drink water when they are thirsty. Then how are they thirsty? Why do people drink water? First, the proportion of water in the human body is very large. In general, children account for 80%-90% of water. The proportion of water in adults reaches 70%-80%. Old people account for less than 70% of water. So the human body is basically made up of water.
Second, some physiological functions of water.
(a) constitute a cell tissue.
Water is an integral part of cell tissue. Most of the water in organisms combines with protein to form colloid, which makes tissues and cells have certain morphology, hardness and elasticity. Water is an important part of cell colloid protoplasm. Without water, the colloidal state of cells cannot be maintained and various metabolism cannot be carried out.
(2) Participate in substance metabolism.
Water is the main solvent for metabolites in organisms. Water has high electrolysis constant and strong solubility. The absorption and transportation of nutrients and the elimination of metabolites in many feeds are inseparable from the participation of boiling water. Because the exchange and transfer of nutrients and metabolites and the transportation of various active substances (enzymes, hormones and vitamins) can only be carried out in the body if they are dissolved or dispersed in body fluids.
(3) Promote biochemical reaction.
Water is a substance that promotes metabolic reactions, and all biological oxidation and enzymatic reactions involve water. Water is not only the raw material in organism, but also the product of biochemical reaction. In the process of hydrolysis, water is the reaction substrate; In the process of oxidation, water is the product of reaction. Water participates in digestion, absorption, decomposition, synthesis, redox and cell respiration in the body.
(4) maintain the balance of body fluids.
Water is an important substance to maintain the balance of body fluids. Body fluid refers to the liquid composed of water and various substances (such as inorganic salts, glucose, amino acids, protein, etc.) existing in animals. ) Soluble in water. It exists widely inside and outside cells and constitutes the internal environment of animals. Water can dilute the contents of cells and body fluids, make substances move relatively freely in cells, body fluids and digestive tract, maintain the ion balance of minerals in the body, and maintain the normal metabolism of substances in the body. Water not only plays an important role in expelling a large number of indigestible substances in the digestive tract, but also plays an important role in expelling metabolites through urine and sweat.
(5) regulate body temperature.
Water has the function of regulating body temperature, with high specific heat, high vaporization heat and strong thermal conductivity. So water can regulate body temperature by exhaling moisture or sweating. Water in animals stores more heat, even if it produces too much heat, it can be absorbed by water, and the temperature of the body remains balanced.
(6) lubricate organs and slow down wear and tear.
Water has a lubricating effect. Through the circulation of body fluids, it can also strengthen the connection between organs, reduce the friction and damage between joints and organs in the body, and make organ activities flexible.