The FitTrack Dara measures body water percentage. What does that mean and how can you improve your score? Show
Body water is the complete amount of fluid in a human body. The average human is between 55-65% water. Whenever we go to the doctor’s we’re always asked, “Are you drinking enough water?” That’s because the water in our body is the primary building block of cells. With it, our bodies work to cushion and lubricate joints, regulate temperature, and nourish the brain and spinal cord. Without it, our body wouldn’t properly function. In cases of dehydration, there can be notable drops in energy, mood, skin moisture, blood pressure, and signs of cognitive impairment. Other functions such as extracellular fluid, in particular the interstitial fluid, constitutes the body's internal environment that bathes all of the cells in the body, is also affected by body water intake that is crucial for normal body functions. Did You Know? Body water percentage is one of the 17 things the FitTrack Smart Scales Measure. Water and HydrationA human can’t survive more than a few days without water. We’ve heard stories of lost hikers or people lost at sea having to go as far as to drink urine to survive. See Related: Calculate Your BMI That’s because, without some kind of liquid in the body, functions such as our heart beating, body fighting off infection, brain function, and more go weak and eventually stop working. Even the simple act of breathing requires water. Over 300-400 milliliters of water are lost from breathing, a majority of it happening during sleep. Factors That Affect Body WaterLocation, fat index, age, and sex changes the range of water in the body that ranges between 55-60%. Human babies even more so at 75% body water until they reach lowering to 65% by their first birthday. Though we are made of a hefty amount of water, we need to drink a certain amount each day to prevent repercussions like dehydration. Each day we lose two to three liters of water through sweat, urine, and bowel movements! We have to compensate for the fluid loss by drink up to 2.5-3.7 liters for an adult male and 2-2.7 liters of water for adult women, which depends largely on our weight and environment. This range can decline or increase largely based on if we are healthy, active, old, or overheating. The Dangers Of DehydrationThe repercussions of dehydration, not consuming enough liquid, can be severe. 10 Dangers Of Dehydration:
How The Body Stores Water In TissuesFatty tissue contains less water than lean tissue--this means that your weight and body composition can affect the percentage of water in your body. The water helps keep the tissues in your body moist, retaining optimum levels of moisture in sensitive areas like your eyes, nose, and mouth, and others, including the blood, bones, and brain. Tracking Water IntakeMaintaining hydration is important, as you’ve seen above. To do that we need to make sure our water intake is up to par. Here are some tips-
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat should my body water percentage be?55-60% depending on activity level, health, sex, and environment. Is your body 70 percent water?No, babies have a higher percentage of 75% until they reach their first birthday, dropping down to 65%. What percentage of body fat is water?Lean tissue holds more water than fatty tissue. Fat contains about 10% of water. How can I test my body water level?The most common test is through your urine. On average, a healthy body should be emptying your bladder about 5-8 times a day. The urine should be light yellow. Another method is dilution, recognized as a gold standard for measuring total body water (tbw). This test can be done at a hospital under the guidance of a trained professional. Is a high body water percentage good?The Watson Formula is a great tool to calculate total body water in liters. You’re usually in a healthy range if your body water percentage is 50% and above with a good amount of body water content, especially through lean tissue compared to fatty tissue. How To Increase Body Water Percentage1. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. 2. Drink 1 Ounce of water for every pound of body weight. 3. Increase consumption of leafy green vegetables which helps your muscles stay hydrated. Does water retention affect body fat percentage?Women experience more changes in hydration than adult men due to menstrual cycles. Retaining water can cause weight to fluctuate during this period causing additional variation in body fat percentage. Why does body water increase with weight loss?Lean tissue holds more water than fatty tissue which results in a drop in body weight. Those who struggle with obesity are more likely to be inadequately hydrated without that proper water balance.
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