From the small intestine water is absorbed rapidly and then through the vein of intestine to the general circulation. Through the general circulation it reaches all parts of the body. Water is the medium of all body fluids including digestive juices, lymph, blood, urine and perspiration. Water as a solvent for the products of digestion, help them to pass through the absorbing walls of the intestinal tract into the blood stream and ultimately to the tissues. Like wise metabolic waste products are diluted and carried to the site of detoxification and elimination.

Water is essential as a body lubricant for various organs. Mucus that lubricates the digestive tract and the respiratory tract saliva, which makes it possible for us to, swallow the food, all contain water as an important component.

When taking rigorous exercise and the weather is very hot one must drink more water than normal so as to compensate for the water lost through breathing and sweating. By drinking adequate water the toxins or the body waste products are flushed out. Water flushes out bladder and kidney infection and other urinary tract infection and improves the complexion. People who drink very little water suffer headaches, poor concentration and constipation. In pathological conditions like fever, diarrhoea and urinary tract infection increase consumption of water is required. Where as condition like nephritis and SIADH reduced water consumption is required.

I often get questions asking if water is taken with meals it tends to dilute the digestive juices and impairs digestion. Moderate amounts of water about one glass taken with meals have no harm full effects. Soups, milk, beverages like tea and coffee and most of our so-called solid foods like cucumber, tomatoes and fruits like melons contain large amounts of water. No one has ever claimed that these should not be taken with meals. But yes, if more liquids are taken with meals your appetite will decrease.