By Kemi Olatunde

it is not out of point to describe water as a transparent, tasteless and odourless liquid which is found all over the world, hence it is essential for our health. As important as water is to our wellbeing, not so many people embrace its regular intake due to reasons best known to them. Water, even though is found everywhere and affordable in areas where its scarcity is noticeable, performs so many functions in the body especially flushing out waste from the body, regulating body temperature as well as assisting with the proper functioning of the brain.

Water is important to nearly every part of the body. Not only will hitting our daily recommended intake helps us maintain our current state of being, water will  even improve our overall health.

It feels good to drink water either thirsty or not, but certain circumstances have prevented some people from taking enough quantity of water.

According to a trader, Mrs Adebayo Olayemi, taking enough water during the day is good but most people are not encouraged to do that due to the environment they find themselves.

She explained that she doesn’t take much water in the early hours of the day due to her inability to use the convenience in her shop.

Her words:”A toilet facility serves over 30 people in my shop and there is no way it can be adequately maintained as it is in a public place. I only take water when  I am eating and delay the rest till evening when I am through with sales. I make sure I take up to five litres of water before I retire to bed in order to cover for hours I couldn’t take it.” She said.

A  42-year- old Civil Servant, Ademola Blessing said  that she can never do workout without  taking water irrespective of the circumstances noting that its importance in the body has been her motivation.

She said; “water is a main component of saliva which is essential for breaking. Down solid food and keeping the mouth healthy.”Our body can only produce enough saliva with regular fluid intake of water.

“The body uses water to sweat, urinate, and have bowel movements. Sweat regulates body temperature when you’re exercising or in warm temperatures. You need water to replenish the lost fluid from sweat.

“One needs enough water in the system to have healthy stool and avoid constipation.

The kidneys are also important for filtering out waste through urination. Adequate water intake helps your kidneys work more efficiently and helps to prevent kidney stones.”

An athlete who craved anonimity said that drinking plenty of water during physical activity is important, noting that athletes loose  water during physical activity.

“We have been told that there are negative effects of exercise in the heat without enough water including serious medical conditions, like decreased blood pressure. Extreme dehydration can cause seizures an even death. ”

A driver, Tajudeen Nada while speaking stressed the importance of regular water intake noting that for one to live long, he must take water as and when due.

His words; “Water is essential for everyone to live long. There are times that medical experts will advise patients to take water regularly especially when they are being placed on drugs. A driver especially the commercial ones must always have water by their sides due to the stressful nature of the work especially in hot weather.

“When one is hungry, he can take water to sustain himself  untill he gets something to put in his mouth. Water is good and all must be taking it.”

Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu in his contribution described water as the most important necessity of life stating that nothing exists without it.

“The food we eat and even what we excrete contain water. Without water, there will not be free flow of blood which contains serum that is of high volume of water. The human body contains water. It aids digestion, respiration, heartbeat and every other thing that makes life functional. Without water, there is no life.”

Also speaking, Medical Director of a private clinic in Akure, Dr. Victor Adefesoye said. ” Water is life and life is water. The body is made up of 75 percent of water. An average man approximately needs five litres of water to survive per day. It is a means through which the body expels the body metabolic system.

“The whole universe is made up of water hence, it is essential in maintaining life. Drinking enough water can help prevent some medical conditions including constipation, kidney stones, exercise-induced asthma, urinary tract infection and hypertension etc.

“Water also helps one to absorb important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from your food, which will increase your chances of staying healthy.

“Drinking water may activate your metabolism. A boost in metabolism has been associated with a positive impact on energy level.

“Our mood can be affected by not getting enough water. Dehydration may result in fatigue and confusion as well as anxiety, he said.”

A Civil Servant, Dr. Tolu Ademujimi added, “water is life! All humans require water for homeostasis (balance of the body’s internal millieu). From the cells to the tissues, organs and systems within the body, water is an integral part of them all. Humans also depend on water for cooking, washing, cleaning, planting, rearing animals, construction works, industrial activities etc. If there’s no rainfall for a long time, plants, animals and humans suffer.”

A nutritionist who does not want her name in print said that everything put into the mouth contains a reasonable amount of water, noting that there is no stable health without water.

According to her, water plays an important role in the processing of the food we eat, hence,  the need for all to take it as it is easy and affordable saying “it plays critical role in the overall development and maintenance of the body.