Function of Minerals and Water in the Body - Essay Example

Function of Minerals and Water in the Body Minerals are an important part of our body cells, and provide energy for the accomplishment of various functions. We get minerals from the food we the food we take in. lack of minerals results in various diseases. For example, Calcium deficiency causes osteoporosis. Zinc deficiency causes skin changes, breast cancer, and hormonal imbalances. We need water because we do not want our bodies to become dehydrated. Water regulates body temperature; moistens tissues of mouth, eyes, ears, and other important organs of the body.

We also need water to prevent constipation, and lessen down the burden on kidneys by flushing out waste products. Water also carries oxygen and important nutrients to cells (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2014). Water is the most important component of the cells in our bodies, and there is no way that it can be replaced totally, or Nature would have offered a better solution of water replacement than sodas and other drinks. However, this is the case with normal people, who want to stay hydrated.

In case of athletes, dehydration can best be prevented with a sports drink. This is because after doing exercise or a sport, the blood flow in the athletes’ systems increases, generating heat, which is carried to the skin, where sweat is produced. If plain water is taken in, the absence of sodium will dilute the sodium concentration in the body cells, and the brain will also get the message that the thirst is over. The athlete will stop drinking, but the sodium loss is not compensated. However, sports drinks contain sodium (a mineral) and other electrolytes that the body loses with extreme sweat.

Hence, sports drinks are beneficial for athletes, but common people should not ignore the importance of water to stay hydrated.ReferencesMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2014). Functions of water in the body. Nutrition and Healthy Eating. Retrieved April 30, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM00594