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European Hydration Institute > Human hydration
Human hydration
Find out all the information about human hydration you may need: from the importance and benefits of a healthy hydration and the consequences of dehydration, to the hydration needs according to age, special populations and special conditions, and the sources of water which contribute to fulfilling your needs.
Hydration
Appropriate hydration of the body is an absolute requirement for health and is essential for life itself. Water sustains the body's many vital chemical reactions and maintains correct body functions.
Water plays many important roles within the body. Water is the major part of most of the body’s cells (except for fat cells) and it also cushions and lubricates the brain and the joints. It transports nutrients and carries waste away from the body cells. It also helps regulate body temperature by redistributing heat from active tissues to the skin and cooling the body through perspiration.
Dehydration
Dehydration is the loss of water from the body in excess of the amount consumed.
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than is taken in. It is often accompanied by disturbances in the body’s mineral salt or electrolyte balance – especially disturbances in the concentrations of sodium and potassium.
Thirst
It is often said that thirst should be the guide for drinking, but what does it mean to be thirsty?
Many people talk about this sensation, but few people can say that they actually feel it. Many authors have studied the physiological regulation of thirst, fluid intake and body fluids (1-6). Here we show you the physiology of the thirst mechanism making the body looking for liquid.
4 key moments in Hydration
Studying, driving, performing physical activity and at work.
Any moment is good to take hydration into account, but here we propose four particular times when hydration needs should be specially considered: when studying, when driving, when performing physical activity and at work.
Nutrition & Beverages
Total daily water intake is the sum of water content coming from all types of beverages and foods.
Replacement of the body’s water and salt losses is essential to maintain appropriate hydration and a good health status. Replacement of water can be achieved through food and beverages. It is calculated that of the total water consumed, 20-30% typically comes from food and 70-80%
Hydration levels
Water needs vary between individuals and according to diet, environmental conditions, activity levels and a range of other factors.
Reference values for total water intake as a guide to achieve appropriate hydration levels are given for different groups of ages as well as for special conditions such as pregnancy or lactation. Some hints and tips about healthy hydration are also offered.
Some age groups are especially sensitive to the effects of dehydration; some people also have special hydration needs due to particular conditions. This is the case for children and elderly people and for women during pregnancy and lactation.