Water is essential in every system and function of the body, and has many responsibilities. For example, water:. You can use online calculators to determine the percentage of water in your body.
There are also formulas you can use. The Watson Formula , for example, calculates total body water in liters. To get the percentage of water in your body, assume 1 liter equals 1 kilogram and then divide your TBW by your weight. Getting enough water depends on the food and beverages you consume each day.
The ideal amount of water you should consume varies greatly, depending on factors such as age, weight, health, and activity level. Your body naturally tries to maintain healthy water levels by excreting excess water in urine. The more water and fluids you drink, the more urine is produced in the kidneys. Too little water consumption raises the risk of dehydration and possible harm to the body.
To calculate how much water you should drink daily to maintain a healthy amount of water in your body, divide your weight in pounds by 2 and drink that amount in ounces. For example, a pound person should aim for 90 ounces of water, or about seven to eight ounce glasses, each day.
Keep in mind that you can consume water in a variety of ways. A glass of orange juice is mostly water, for instance. Be careful, though, because caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, or certain sodas, can have a diuretic effect. Foods that contain high percentages of water include:. Soups and broths are also mostly water, but look out for the calorie content and for high levels of sodium, which can make these options a little less healthy. Dehydration and its accompanying health problems are particularly risky for people exercising or working in hot, humid weather.
Likewise, being physically active in dry heat means your perspiration will evaporate more quickly, speeding up the loss of fluids and making you more vulnerable to dehydration. Chronic health problems, such as diabetes and kidney disease, increase your odds of dehydration because of increased urination. Even being sick with a cold can make you less likely to eat and drink as much as you normally do, putting you at risk for dehydration.
While thirst is certainly the most obvious sign of dehydration, your body is actually becoming dehydrated before you feel thirsty. Other symptoms of dehydration include:. Infants and young children experiencing dehydration may have those same symptoms, as well as dry diapers for a long period and crying without tears. The risks of dehydration are plentiful and serious:. If sodium levels fall too low, the result is hyponatremia , which can lead to several potentially serious health problems.
If you need a more practical way ensure you are keeping your body at a healthy body water percentage, try this recommendation from the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut , which is right in line with the American College of Sports Medicine. For every 2. So, if you weigh yourself in the morning, or before a workout, and you lose 2. Most likely, you are not only drinking water throughout the day, but also eating foods that contribute to your total fluid intake, thus influencing your total body water weight percentage.
There are many foods that are high in water, including most fruits and vegetables. Read more: Percentage of Water in Fruits and Vegetables.
If you are concerned about not having a healthy body water percentage, it's important to pay attention to your daily habits. Keep in mind that your body will keep you at a normal level, but it is possible to drink too much water. According to Mayo Clinic, drinking an excess of water can cause a deadly electrolyte shift in the body, most often known as hyponatremia, or low blood sodium.
Let thirst be your guide, listen to your body, and as always, if you are concerned about your individual body water percentage, speak with your physician for guidance. Nutrition Nutrition Basics Beverages and Health. Claudia is a registered dietitian with a PhD in physical activity, nutrition and wellness.
She is an expert in intuitive eating and nutrition science. Click here to learn more about water intoxication. A majority of the human body consists of water. A person can maintain the balance of water in the body by taking in enough fluids during the day. Water is crucial to keep the body working correctly.
It is present in the blood, skin, organs, and bones. There is water in every cell of the body, from the brain to the teeth. Drinking water is often overlooked as a necessary part of staying healthy.
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Where is water in the body. Why water is important in the body. How to calculate body water percentage. How to maintain a healthy percentage. Age Recommended fluid intake milliliters per day 0—6 months 6—12 months 1—2 years 1, 4—8 years 1, 9—13 years males 2, 9—13 years females 2, 14—18 years males 3, 14—18 years females 2, Adult male 3, Adult female 2, During pregnancy 3, While breastfeeding 3,
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