Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health Water

We would survive for approximately three weeks without food, but only for three days without water Every body function requires water, such as digestion and excretion The human body is about 60% water, within and surrounding cells

Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health Water is found in all tissues of the body, including blood, bones, organs and skin An intake of 6–8 glasses a day is needed We lose water via excretion, respiration and sweat Inadequate water consumption causes dehydration, resulting in headaches, fatigue and digestive upsets

Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health Functions of water Important for chemical reactions to occur in the body. Every body function requires water. –e.g. chemical reactions inside the cells change glucose and oxygen into energy –e.g. water helps CO2 and waste chemicals pass from the cell into the blood for excretion

Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health Functions of water Structural component of all cells (intracellular fluid) Helps nutrients + oxygen pass from the blood to each cell (cell diffusion) Extracellular fluids include blood, lymph and fluid surrounding cells

Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health Functions of water Transport the nutrients to the cells Excretion (urine & faeces) Helps lubricate the joints Protect, cushion & moisten body organs Helps regulate body temperature

Area of study 1: Understanding Australia’s health Unit 3: Australia’s health Food sources Tap water (this is our best source!) Meat and fish Water, juices Dairy products, such as milk and cheese Fruit and vegetables (tea, coffee, cordial, alcohol and soft drinks may not supply adequate amounts of water and can even be dehydrating)