Fluctuations in fluid levels can significantly affect blood volume and cellular hydration, posing a threat to health. The balance of fluids in various cellular compartments is maintained through a constant exchange of water and solutes to preserve their unique composition. Individuals with a higher amount of fatty tissue tend to have less total water, making them more susceptible to fluid imbalances and dehydration. This is why the human body is a water-based organism.
The Human Body is a Water-Based Organism
As we age, the total percentage of water in the body decreases, which can lead to poor cellular hydration. Particularly concerning is the decline in intracellular hydration, which typically accounts for 60% of the body’s cellular water content. Factors such as increased fatty tissue and loss of muscle mass contribute to this reduction, along with a decreased ability of the body to regulate water and sodium balance.
Over time, kidney function becomes less efficient at excreting sodium through urine, weakening the kidneys’ ability to maintain water balance. Since the body loses approximately two liters of water daily through normal functions, replenishing this loss is crucial.
Maintaining proper hydration with quality water is essential for the body’s homeostasis for two primary reasons. First, water must neutralize and eliminate acidic toxins and chemicals that can damage cells, as well as provide essential minerals and nutrients for cellular metabolism. Second, water serves as a conductor for electrochemical activity in the body, facilitating vital functions such as neurotransmission and nutrient transport between cells.
The movement of water between cells, regulated by processes like osmosis, is critical for maintaining cellular health. Any disruption in this balance can have severe consequences, such as the leakage of vital nutrients from blood vessels into extracellular spaces. Contamination of blood water with acidic chemicals can affect cellular structure and trigger disease processes and premature aging.
