FLUIDS
Humans can go for weeks without food, but they can't survive going without water for longer than a few days because it is vital to life. Numerous essential bodily processes involve water.
Understanding the homeostatic mechanisms and actions the body employs to preserve the ideal conditions for cell activity is essential for managing fluid and electrolyte balance, which is a complicated process. A complex network of homeostatic systems, which are aimed at ensuring that water intake and loss are balanced, maintains a stable internal environment. Cell function is significantly impacted by the volume, composition, and distribution of bodily fluids. The composition, distribution, and quantity of bodily fluids can be changed, as well as the fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances, by protein-energy deficiency, illness, trauma, and surgery. Cell function can be adversely affected by even little variations in pH, hydration status, and electrolyte contents. Serious repercussions or even death may occur if these derangements are not addressed. Cell function can be adversely affected by fluid status and electrolyte imbalances. Death or serious repercussions may follow if these derangements are not treated.
The phrase "you are what you eat" should be reworded to " you what you drink".
►Roughly
55-60% of average humans body weight is water. Two-third of body water us fund
inside the cells & is referred to as intracellular water. Muscle tissue,
which is of obvious importance to athletes, is approximately 70% water. The
remaining one-third of body water is found outside of cells and is known as
extracellular water.
Intracellular
and extracellular water content vary based on several factors:
▶ A. Protein content of
the tissue
►
B. Carbohydrate content of the tissue
►C.
Electrolyte concentration within and outside
A.
Protein content of the tissue: muscle, composed of a large amount if
protein, contains a much greater % of water than adipose tissue, which is
composed of fats. The percentage of total body water can vary tremendously
for lean, muscular athlete with a low body fat composition to an obese,
sedentary individual with high body fat composition.
B.
Carbohydrate content of the tissue: glycogen consists of linked glucose
molecules and is stored inside cells along with water. For every gram of
glycogen, 3 grams of water are stored. The water released from glycogen
breakdown during exercise can be useful for preventing dehydration.
C.
Electrolyte concentration within and outside: intracellular and
extracellular minerals such as sodium, chloride, potassium and calcium affect
the flux of fluid into and out of cell.
The increased volume of intracellular fluid causes the cells, particularly the
brain cells, to swell, leading to headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching,
blindness, and convulsions with impending stupor.
If left untreated, water intoxication can be fatal. Water intoxication is not
commonly seen in normal, healthy individuals. It may be seen in endurance
athletes who consume large amounts of electrolyte-free beverages during events,
individuals with psychiatric illness, or because of water drinking contests.
References: Noda, M., & Matsuda, T. (2022). Central regulation of
body fluid homeostasis. Proceedings of the Japan Academy. Series B,
Physical and biological sciences, 98(7), 283–324.
Manual of
Dietetic Practice (Fifth Edition)
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