What If You Stopped Drinking Water
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Lesson Article
The Importance of Water for Survival
Water is an essential component for the survival of all living organisms. It is the most abundant molecule in the human body, making up 65% of an adult’s body weight. Water carries nutrients and hormones through the body, regulates body temperature, cushions joints, and lubricates eyes. The body loses around 2.5 liters of water every day through urine, breathing, sweating, and pooping. Therefore, it is crucial to replenish the lost fluids by drinking water or other fluids that contain water.
Thirst and Dehydration
Thirst is a survival instinct that is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus monitors the amount of sodium and other substances in the body and creates the urge to drink when the body needs fluids. If the body is unable to satisfy its thirst, it may lead to dehydration. The initial signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, darker urine with a stronger odor, and decreased brain function, including slower response time and decreased ability to feel pain. The brain tissue literally shrinks when dehydrated, making the same task require more brain power and oxygen.
The Dangers of Severe Dehydration
After a day or two without fluids, the body stops producing urine, and the person may suffer from muscle spasms, trouble swallowing, and nausea. When the body lacks fluids for an extended period, it may lead to seizures and organ failure. In severe cases, the brain may also shut down, leading to delirium and impaired brain function. It is crucial to stay hydrated to avoid these dangers.
The Global Water Crisis
More than 783 million people on earth do not have access to clean water. As our personal drinking sources become increasingly contaminated, scientists are trying to find solutions to this problem, such as removing salt from ocean water, tapping into underground aquifers, and creating innovative water filtration systems. Small investments can make a huge difference, and many water charities, such as Water.org and UNICEF, have fantastic initiatives that you can contribute to.
Water Charity Projects
One such water charity project is in Morocco, which is helping to bring clean and safe water to five villages in the area. Before this project, many of the villagers had to walk miles to get contaminated water that posed a risk to their health. But now, thanks to the project, they have access to clean water, which has significantly improved their quality of life. It has allowed them to focus on other aspects of their lives, such as education and economic opportunities. These projects are making a huge difference in the lives of people who lack access to clean water, and we should support them in any way we can.
Conclusion
Water is an essential component for the survival of all living organisms. It carries nutrients and hormones through the body, regulates body temperature, cushions joints, and lubricates eyes. It is crucial to stay hydrated, and we should support water charity projects that aim to provide clean and safe water to those who lack access to it. By working together, we can end the global thirst crisis.
Discussion Questions
- How much water should a person consume every day to stay hydrated?
- What are some of the initial signs of dehydration?
- What are some of the dangers of severe dehydration?
- What are some innovative solutions scientists are exploring to combat the global water crisis?
- How do small investments in water charity projects make a big difference in people’s lives?
- What are some of the benefits that clean and safe water brings to communities that lack access to it?
- How can we raise awareness about the importance of clean water and the global water crisis?
- What can individuals do to contribute to solving the water crisis and supporting water charity projects?
Lesson Vocabulary
Water – a transparent, odorless, tasteless liquid that is the main constituent of oceans, lakes, rivers, and rain and is essential for most living organisms. – I drink eight glasses of water every day to stay hydrated.
Survival – the state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in spite of an accident, ordeal, or difficult circumstances. – The hiker’s survival instinct kicked in when she realized she was lost in the wilderness.
Living organisms – an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form. – The forest floor was teeming with living organisms, from insects to mushrooms.
Body weight – the weight of a person’s body. – The doctor advised the patient to lose body weight in order to improve their overall health.
Nutrients – a substance that provides nourishment essential for the maintenance of life and for growth. – Vegetables are a great source of nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Hormones – a regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood or sap to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action. – The hormonal changes during puberty can cause emotional and physical changes in adolescents.
Dehydration – a harmful reduction in the amount of water in the body. – After running a half marathon, the athlete experienced dehydration and had to be taken to the hospital.
Brain function – how well the brain performs its various functions, such as thinking, learning, and remembering. – Regular exercise has been shown to improve brain function and cognitive abilities.
Global water crisis – a lack of access to safe and clean water sources that affects people around the world. – The global water crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity today.
Water charity projects – initiatives undertaken by organizations or individuals to provide access to safe and clean water to people in need. – The local rotary club raised funds to support water charity projects in developing countries.
Clean water – water that is free of harmful contaminants and safe for human consumption. – The city installed a new water filtration system to ensure residents have access to clean water.
Access – the ability, right, or permission to use something or obtain something. – Many people around the world do not have access to basic necessities such as clean water or healthcare.
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- Categories: Health, TED Ed, Video Lessons
- Keywords: access, body weight, brain function, clean water, dehydration, global water crisis, hormones, living organisms, nutrients, survival, water, water charity projects
