Water: an essential element for the human body
Approximately 60% of the human body is water.
The average adult's body is approximately 60% water, but in athletes and those who exercise regularly and have more muscle (which stores even more water), it accounts for an even higher percentage. Therefore, it is particularly important for those who regularly participate in sports and exercise to stay hydrated.
The role of water in the body
How does water, which makes up approximately 60% of our bodies, work inside the body?
There are two conditions which must be met for water in the body to function properly: firstly, there must be enough water in the body, and secondly, the ratio of water to ions must be constant.
Amount and concentration (ion ratio) are
key points when it comes to hydration.
Why do we sweat?
If water is so vital to the human body, why does the body expel it as sweat? The temperature of the human body is controlled by a biological thermostat in the brain which attempts to keep the body at a constant 37° Celsius. One way the body maintains this constant temperature is through heat diffusion accomplished through the evaporation of sweat.
