How long can a human survive without water? We know a human can go for about 3 weeks without food, but only survive 3 – 4 days without any water.
Why is this? Your body is an amazing creation that uses water in many of its processes. Some of them are:
- regulating body temperature (done through sweating and breathing)
- aiding in digestion by forming saliva and breaking down food
- moistening mucous membranes
- assisting to balance the pH of the body
- lubricating joints and the spinal cord
- helping the brain make and use certain hormones
- helping transport toxins out of the cells
- eliminating waste through the urine and breath
- delivering oxygen throughout the body.
Without hydration, your body will not be able to carry out these (and other) functions correctly. Water also helps to get rid of toxins in your system that could potentially build up and cause harm to the body, and ultimately to your other organs.
If you are trying to survive without water, you should be aware of the symptoms and effects of dehydration.
Dehydration
The body uses water to produce sweat, which is used to cool the body. Without this cooling process, your body temperature is likely to rise dramatically and results in putting pressure on the fluid in your body.
This would include your blood having extra pressure which could mean a lower blood volume, leading to less blood circulating the body and a serious drop in blood pressure. Unconsciousness and death are the continued side effects of this.
Meanwhile, you will have less saliva and your digestive system will also slow down.
Drinking enough water to survive is clearly key. However, you should be consuming enough water to keep your body running well. In normal circumstances, your body will send you signals of being thirsty or you will have a dry mouth.
You should pay attention to these signals and ensure that you are hydrated. The average person will need at least 8 large glasses of water a day to keep their body running well.
Environmental factors such as climate and what food you eat are also factors in how much water your body will potentially need to operate.
Are you making sure you are getting good quality water daily? If you want to find out how you can get great quality water, why not contact us.
Sources: Medical News Today, Business Insider.