Water can absorb and transfer heat well, therefore the human body uses it to stabilize temperature. Water has a relatively high heat capacity; this means that water can absorb a lot of heat before its temperature rises. This trait allows the water in every cell of the human body to act as a buffer against sudden temperature changes. Blood, which is made largely of water, moves heat away from the extremities and toward the vital organs when it needs to conserve heat, it flows towards the skin surface to release excess heat when necessary, and it transports muscle heat away as needed. Water also helps expel excess heat from the body as water vapor from the lungs and sweat on the skin.
The normal human body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, yet people survive when the ambient air temperature is higher. Air temperatures in deserts can reach higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and sunlight adds to the heat absorbed by the body. In these conditions, loose, billowing clothing allowing air flow to help evaporate sweat is the norm.
the body might need as much as 10 liters of water per day to maintain healthy hydration.
Some scientists have suggested that when there is too little water in the body, heat storage increases, and the individual is less able to tolerate heat strain.
Having a lot of water in the body may reduce physical strain if heat stress occurs during exercise, that’s because your body loses electrolytes and plasma when it’s dehydrated.
Once an individual sweats more than usual, ensure he or she drinks plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
REFERENCE:
How Does Water Stabilize Temperature? Updated May 17, 2018 By Alex Silbajoris.
Fifteen benefits of drinking water. Medically reviewed by Karen Cross, FNP, MSN on July 16, 2018 — Written by James McIntosh.
Comentarios