Factors Affecting Performance: Fluid Intake - Essay Example

Water is paramount in the body’s normal functions. It accounts for a substantial percentage of the body mass. In most individuals, the percentage of water responsible for their body weight is between 75% and 50%. A large proportion of this fluid is found in and around the cells. Another part of the body with a high amount of water is blood. Continuous exchange of fluid inside the body ensures that all biological processes occur suitably.

Blood consists of plasma, which largely comes from water. In this form, water acts as a solvent in which a number of solvents can be dissolved and transported to their intended destinations. Additionally, blood plasma ensures that the arteries and other blood vessels have sufficient fluids. This prevents the potential clogging of such tissues. In line with the above fact is the issue of blood pressure.

An example of such a waste product is excess amino acids. The amino acids are converted into urea and eventually eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Water moves this product from the cells.

It also moves nutrients into the cells by acting as a solvent for them. Typical examples include glucose, vitamins, and other minerals. Through this process, water enhances the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients and thus makes them available in the body. It also plays a critical role in the transportation of hormones. For instance, it facilitates the transportation of insulin. This hormone works on glucose molecules in order to produce the energy needed for physiological needs in the body. It is because of this function that blood has an effect on blood sugar levels hence susceptibility to diabetes.

Transportation of buffering agents also occurs through the blood. The body needs to have a constant ph level of between 7.38 and 7.42. Buffering agents are mild bases or acids designed to counter sudden increases in acidity or alkalinity of the blood. Examples here include a phosphate buffer, which maintains ph-balance irrespective of an increase in carbon dioxide.

Thermoregulation is another factor function that water affects. Water controls the body’s temperate through a series of biological functions. The skin is the body’s own air conditioner, which releases excess body heat through sweat. Water is the predominant molecule in sweat. It contributes towards the maintenance of a constant body temperature regardless of the external environment.

Brain function
The brain is one of the most vital organs in the human body. A substantial portion of the brain also consists of water, which facilitates the production of energy in these cells. Since hormone production and transmission of nerves requires a lot of energy, then the transport medium; blood, is imperative for its function. Also, the brain lacks mechanisms for storing water, so sufficient hydration is necessary in order to keep the brain supplied with water all the time.
When the body is dehydrated, the brain enters into a shut-down mode.