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9.1: Introduction

  • Page ID
    80565
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    3 purple cups stacked on 2 saucers

    Learning Objectives
    1. Explain why water intake is important in the body.
    2. Predict the outcomes of osmosis and osmoregulation.
    3. Explain the role of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) in water balance in cells and the body.
    4. Describe how the dietary recommended intake for water for males and females can be met from both fluid and foods.
    5. State the recommended dietary intake for sodium and potassium and food sources for each.
    6. Describe factors (exercise, diet, age, or disease) that can influence a person’s hydration level.
    7. Distinguish between dehydration, water intoxication, heat stroke, and hypertension.
    8. Distinguish between the benefits and consequences of drinking coffee and tea.
    9. Differentiate the impacts of acute and chronic alcohol intake on overall health.
    10. Identify components of sports drinks that affect a person’s hydration.

    Water is the most critical macronutrient because we can only survive a few days without it. Even though the exact amount of water our bodies need can depend on a variety of factors, we are all mostly made of water. Water has several functions in the body that make it a critical component for life. Because of these critical functions, water levels in the body and cells are tightly controlled to achieve the proper water balance or hydration level. We can achieve proper water balance by taking in and excreting water, but electrolytes are truly the drivers that help achieve water balance throughout our tissues and cells. Drinks like coffee or tea, alcohol, and sports drinks will impact hydration levels through different mechanisms.

    Cover Art: "Tea cups" by gifrancis is licensed under CC BY 2.0.


    This page titled 9.1: Introduction is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jan Dowell and Erin Shanle (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI)) .

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