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</a><h1 class="with-also" itemprop="name">Water in diet</h1>
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</noscript></div><div class="main"><div id="ency_summary"><p>Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. It is the basis for the fluids of the body.</p></div><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Function</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-1" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-1"><p>Water makes up more than two-thirds of the weight of the human body. Without consuming water, humans would die in a few days. All the cells and organs need water to function.</p><p>Water serves as a lubricant. It makes up saliva and the fluids surrounding the joints. Water regulates the body temperature through <a test="test" href="./003218.htm">perspiration</a>. It also helps prevent and relieve <a test="test" href="./003125.htm">constipation</a> by moving food through the intestines.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Food Sources</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-2" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-2"><p>You get some of the water in your body through the foods you eat. Some of the water is made during the process of <a test="test" href="./002257.htm">metabolism</a>.</p><p>You also get water through liquid foods and beverages, such as soup, milk, tea, coffee, soda, drinking water, and juices. Alcohol does not add to the body's water because it is a diuretic. It causes the body to release water.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Side Effects</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-3" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-3"><p>If you do not get enough water each day, the body fluids will be out of balance, causing <a test="test" href="./000982.htm">dehydration</a>. When dehydration is severe, it can be life threatening.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Recommendations</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-4" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-4"><p>The Dietary Reference Intake for water is between 91 and 125 fluid ounces (2.7 to 3.7 liters) of water per day for adults. </p><p>However, individual needs will depend on your sex, weight, age, and activity level, as well as any medical conditions you may have. Keep in mind that this is the total amount you get from both food and beverages every day. There is no specific recommendation for how much water you should drink. </p><p>If you drink fluids when you feel thirsty and have beverages with meals, you should get enough water to keep you hydrated. Try to choose water over sweetened drinks. These beverages can cause you to take in too many calories. </p><p>As you get older your thirst may change. It is always important to take in fluids throughout the day. If you are concerned you may not be consuming enough water have a conversation with your health care provider.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Alternative Names</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Alt" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Alt"><p>Diet - water; H<sub>2</sub>O</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>References</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Ref" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Ref"><p>Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for water, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate (2005). National Academies Press. <a href="https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10925/chapter/2#13" target="_blank">nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10925/chapter/2#13</a>. Accessed October 4, 2023.</p><p>Ramu A, Neild P. Diet and nutrition. In: Naish J, Court DS, eds. <em>Medical Sciences</em>. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 16.</p></div></div></section>
<section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Review Date 8/21/2023</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-version" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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<div id="section-version" class="section-body"><p>Updated by: Stefania Manetti, RD/N, CDCES, RYT200, My Vita Sana LLC - Nourish and heal through food, San Jose, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 02/05/2025. </p>
</div></div></section><section><div class="section ency-citation"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title ency-citation"><div id="citation-how-to"><button><span>Learn how to cite this page</span></button></div></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
</div></div></div></section><section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Related MedlinePlus Health Topics</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-mtp" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
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