When it comes to the important nutrients the human body needs, most people think of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, "water" is a more vital component for the human body. The simplest common sense is that a person can survive for some days without food, but without water, they cannot live for long. So, what important role does water play in the human body?

The main functions of water in the body are to constitute body cells, serving as the basic material for growth and for repairing the body; to promote the digestion and absorption of food, and to maintain normal circulation and excretion; to regulate body temperature, moisten the surfaces of various tissues, and reduce friction between organs; and to help maintain the body's electrolyte balance. Since water is so important, how much should we drink each day?

In fact, the body's daily water requirement is equal to the amount it excretes each day, so that this intake and output can maintain a balance. Our body loses water through different channels every day: about 1000-1500 ml in urine, about 100-200 ml in feces, about 250-400 ml through respiration, and about 400-600 ml through evaporation from the skin's surface. Generally speaking, an adult needs about one milliliter of water for every large calorie of food consumed, requiring at least 1500 ml of water per day. For infants, however, 1.5 ml of water is needed for every large calorie of food consumed. The body needs water, but it's also important to drink it in the right amount. This is because the causes or treatments of many diseases are directly or indirectly related to water intake.

Constipation--If the diet lacks sufficient water, and daily hygiene habits are not good, it is easy for the water in stool to be reabsorbed in the large intestine, leading to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

Urinary system stones--Nowadays, offices and even homes are often equipped with air conditioning, providing cool summers and warm winters, so people don't sweat much. When they get absorbed in their work, they forget to drink water. Over time, urine becomes concentrated, and its minerals can easily deposit in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, causing stones. The best way to prevent this is to drink more water, move around more, and prevent minerals in the urine from having a chance to linger.

Gout--As people entertain or eat large, rich meals at home, the incidence of gout is becoming more and more common. The cause of gout is an abnormality in uric acid metabolism. The best way to manage it is to eat low-fat foods, avoid alcohol, and consume at least 2000-3000 ml of water daily to produce enough urine to excrete the uric acid.

However, certain diseases require limiting water intake, as the body cannot handle the burden of excessive water. For example:

Patients with kidney failure who produce no urine. Due to the loss of kidney function, the body cannot produce urine to excrete metabolic waste and water. If excess water is consumed at this time, it will cause edema, increasing the burden on the heart and potentially leading to heart failure. The appropriate amount of water to give is the previous day's urine output plus 500-600 ml. For patients with heart failure, excessive water intake will increase body fluids and further加重 the burden on the heart. In addition to limiting water, salt (sodium) intake must also be restricted to prevent water retention in the body, which would worsen the condition.

The importance of water is just as the saying goes: "Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it." It is very important to strike a balance between supply and demand. However, the more important prerequisite is to have clean, safe water to drink with confidence. Be sure to avoid situations like the recent incident where hundreds of people contracted dysentery due to their water source being contaminated by *Shigella* bacteria. The best method is to drink boiled water that has been stored in a clean water jug, but do not drink it after it has been left for too long.

A reminder to friends working in offices: don't just focus on your work and forget to get up and move around. This is very bad for your health. The only way to take care of yourself in the office is actually to pour yourself a glass of boiled water to rehydrate!