When the body has lost more fluids than it has taken in, dehydration occurs. Though there are varying degrees of dehydration, replacing vital fluids and water becomes necessary to reverse the condition.
Dehydration Causes
There are several ways your body can lose too many fluids. When you sweat excessively because of illness or exercise, you can release more electrolytes and fluids that have to be quickly replaced. If you've been vomiting or have a case of diarrhea, then you may also be losing significant amounts of liquids. Not drinking enough water can also get you behind on healthy levels, drying out your system.
Warning Signs
When the body is dehydrated, it will give you numerous signs that you need to address. Often, you will feel thirsty and may have a dry-mouth. Urinating less than normal indicates a lack of fluids in your system, so does longer periods between needing to urinate. Getting a headache or becoming lightheaded may also be your body's way of telling you to drink more water. Feeling fatigue is another sign that you are lacking essential hydration and need to take action.
Severe Dehydration
When you lose 5% or more of your body weight due to fluid loss, then severe dehydration has set in. At this stage, immediate medical attention is required, since losing over 10% of your body weight can lead to death. Someone who is severely dehydrated may not be able to cure themselves by simply drinking more water. You may need a doctor to give you fluids with high amounts of sodium chloride to get you back to normal. Once under control, patients can begin drinking fluids normally to remain hydrated.
Prevention
To keep a healthy balance of liquids at all times, you will get the majority of fluids by drinking water and other liquids that provide hydration. A considerable amount of needed fluids also come from the foods you eat. Foods like fruit, certain vegetables and turkey provide significant amounts of fluids. While exercising, it is important to replace the liquids you lose in a reasonable amount of time. Click here for more tips on
staying hydrated and preventing dehydration.
Most at Risk
Young children and the elderly have to be really careful to avoid dehydration. Lack of hydration is common amongst children because they tend to get more conditions/illnesses that cause loss of fluids. Older citizens have to be cautious since they tend to drink fewer fluids and their organs don't function as well as those in younger people. Young and older people alike are best served when someone watches over their fluid intakes.
You can read more about
hydration for children here.
Staying hydrated is very important for the health and well-being of everyone. We require water on a consistent basis, and when our bodies tell us we need more, it is imperative to listen and take advantage of the water benefits that it supplies.
At Water Coolers Direct we have created a handy drink alarm app which can help you keep on top of your water intake and prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
