Water and Life Health

Water is closely related to human life and health.

Water Content in the Human Body

As age increases, the water content in the human body gradually decreases. During the embryonic stage, water content can reach 98%. At three months, the average water content of a fetus is 91%, at eight months it is 81%, and in newborns it averages 80%. After the age of 10-16, it gradually reaches adult levels. For men over 60 years old, the water content is about 50%, while for women it is approximately 45%.

How Much Water to Drink Daily

The "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents" recommends a daily water intake of 1500~1700 milliliters for the population.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Thirsty to Drink Water

Most people only think about drinking water when they feel thirsty. In reality, by the time the brain signals that the body is dehydrated, the body has already been "dry" for a long time. "Dry mouth" is already the last sign of dehydration. Especially as people age, their sensitivity to dehydration weakens. Some elderly individuals may have a noticeably dry mouth yet still not feel thirsty, failing to meet the body's water needs. The correct way to drink water is to consume small amounts frequently and not wait until thirst sets in.

How the Human Body Absorbs Water

Unlike the digestion and absorption of ordinary food, after water enters the digestive system, most of it is directly absorbed by the small and large intestines. It is absorbed through the intestinal mucosa into the intestinal capillaries or lymphatic vessels, becoming part of the blood.