About 60 to 80% of the human body is water. The percentage of body water differs from person to person, however, the percentage is closer to 60% for adults and closer to 80% for newborn babies. By one year of age, the water composition of babies has dropped to about 65%.
The brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%.
Some functions of water in the body
- An important part of every cell.
- Thermoregulation through sweating and respiration
- Used in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins.
- Helps in excretion of wastes through urination.
- acts as a shock absorber for the brain, spinal cord, and fetus
- Make saliva
- lubricates joint
- and much much more
How much water do you need daily?
While the amount varies, an adult male needs about 3 liters per day while an adult female needs about 2.2 liters per day. Note that some of this water is gotten in food.
