You might think the only water you get in your body is the stuff you drink. Did you know that your body actually MAKES water? This is called water of metabolism.

When you ingest food items, your body breaks those incoming food items down into their basic components for use. When you take in fats, part of what your body does is break those out into a hydrogen component. That hydrogen component then oxidizes, or combines with oxygen. The formula for water is H2O - that is, two molecules of hydrogen for every molecule of oxygen. Combine the hydrogen and oxygen and you now have water!

This process of oxidizing fats into water is great for creatures who live in arid desert areas. For example, the kangaroo rat never has to drink water - not even once. Sure, sometimes it might eat "juicy" creatures that are watery themselves. But this tiny little mammal also can actively convert the fats in the foods it eats into water. The kangaroo rat's body then uses that water for its blood and other important processes.

A human being, of course, shouldn't try to survive on water of metabolism nor on eating juicy things. It's best that you drink actual liquid water in ample amounts. The value of eight glasses a day is often bandied about. Whatever you find works best for you, do aim for a fair amount. It can be in tea, water, and non-sugary drinks. That water is critical for your circulatory system to work properly.

But if you hear someone talking about the water of metabolism, and wonder if you have any in you, the answer is yes. It's a normal, natural part of how metabolism works, and it's going on within you every day. Just one of the many wonderful ways our bodies work to keep us healthy and happy!





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