Dehydration_Assignment

Dehydration & the Importance of Water Crystal Eisenhart Axia College of the University of Phoenix Make sure you drink plenty of water. This is something I hear quite frequently. Why is it so important that people mention it' Is it because the human body is composed of about 60 percent of water or possibly because nearly all of the major systems of the human body depend on water (Zellman, 2005-2007)' Whatever the reason, they are correct. Water is vital to the human body. Functions of Water in the Body: It is true, the human body is composed of about 60 percent of water (Zellman, 2005-2007). You may be wondering what all this water does in the body. This water is used for many functions of the body. Nearly all of the major systems within the human body depend on this water to work properly (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). Water is used in the digestive system. It is used in the form of saliva to moisten the foods we eat, allowing for easier swallowing (Zellman, 2005-2007). In the digestive system, the water helps dissolve minerals and other nutrients making them accessible to the body (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). Once these nutrients are dissolved, the water transports and distributes the nutrients and oxygen to the cells in the body (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). Without water, our bodies would not be able to receive much needed nutrients and oxygen needed for the cells. In the musculoskeletal system, water is also used. Here water helps to energize muscles and lubricate joints (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). When there is an inadequate amount of fluids in the muscles, they do not work as well (Zellman, 2005-2007). This is something to remember during the course of exercising. Muscles that are fatigued and not working properly are more prone to injuries such as; sprains and strains. The joints in the body also use water. Here the water is used to lubricate the joints allowing for easier movement (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). Without water friction would occur and the joints would not bend as smoothly. Water is important for the muscles and joints, without it they would not function properly. The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees. How is this temperature regulated' Water is what regulates the body temperature (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). It does this through the process of perspiration (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). On hot, summer days, we sweat and this sweat evaporates to cool the body (Golb, 2007). If the body does not have enough water this would not occur, meaning the body temperature would increase continually, which could lead to heatstroke. Remember to drink plenty of water on those hot summer days. Water works as a cleansing agent (Zellman, 2005-2007). It does this by acting as a medium to carry metabolic wastes away from the body (Golb, 2007). One might ask how this is done. It acts as a detoxifying agent ridding the body of impurities by way of perspiration and urination (Golb, 2007). If the body does not have adequate water levels, these functions would not take place. This would leave the impurities in the body which can cause health problems. Yet another function of water is hydrating the skin (Gulb, 2007). During the process of sweating, impurities are removed in the skin, cleansing it (Gulb, 2007). This leaves the skin looking healthy and younger (Gulb, 2007). Skin that is not hydrated properly can cause the skin to appear wrinkled or sagging (Gulb, 2007). So if you want younger, healthier looking skin, make sure you drink plenty of water. I believe it is safe to say water is vital to the human body. It is used for all types of functions in the body. Without water the body would slow down and slowly stop working. A good comparison of this is; a car needs gasoline and oil to work properly, a body needs water to work properly. Dehydration The human body loses water every day in the form of vapor in our breath when we exhale, and as water in our sweat and urine (WebMD, 2006). What would happen if we did not replace this water in our bodies' Dehydration would occur. What is dehydration' Dehydration is a condition which occurs when the loss of water exceeds the intake of water (WebMD, 2006). If you do not replenish the loss of water, you can suffer serious consequences (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). Dehydration can be caused by many things. The simplest cause of dehydration is not drinking enough fluids. Excessive sweating can also cause dehydration (WebMD, 2006). This can occur because of hot, humid weather or excessive exercising. Another cause of dehydration is vomiting and diarrhea which can cause a tremendous loss of water in a short period of time (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). Fever and increased urination are two other causes of dehydration (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). One last cause of dehydration is severe burns to the body (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). This occurs because the body losses water trying to cool down the area that is burnt. No matter what the cause, dehydration can be a serious problem. Did you know certain people are at a greater risk of dehydration' It is true. For instance, anyone who exercises has a higher risk of dehydration; especially in hot, humid conditions or at high altitudes (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). Chronic illnesses such as uncontrolled or untreated diabetes can put a person at high risk for dehydration as well (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). Another group with a higher risk of dehydration is the elderly (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). The elderly are at a greater risk for several reasons: their body’s ability to conserve water is reduced, less acute thirst sense, less able to respond to change in temperature, tendency to eat less, and dimply forgetting to eat and drink. Infants and children are also at a higher risk of dehydration because of their relatively small body weights. One last group with higher risks is people living at high altitudes (MayoClinic, 1998-2010). Whether you are at high risk or not, the easiest way to stay hydrated is drinking plenty of water. Symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe (WebMD, 2006). Minor symptoms of dehydration include; increased thirst, dry mouth and swollen tongue, weakness, dizziness, palpitations, mild confusion, sluggishness, fainting, inability to sweat, and decreased urine output (WebMD, 2006). More severe symptoms that may require medical attention include; increased or constant vomiting for more than a day, fever over 101 degrees, diarrhea for more than two days, weight loss, decreased urine production, moderate to severe confusion, and severe weakness (WebMD, 2006). A person suffering from; fever higher than 103 degrees, severe confusion, lethargy, severe headache, seizures, difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pains, fainting, or no urination in last 12 hours need to seek immediate medical attention (WebMD, 2006). A person suffering from any of these symptoms needs to treat them as soon as possible. If the body is dehydrated for a long period of time, death can occur. There are precautions we can take to prevent dehydration. Avoiding exercise and exposure during high heat index days, trying to avoid long exposure to extreme temperatures, trying to stay cool, and drinking plenty of water and drinks containing electrolytes can help in the prevention of dehydration. Every little thing we could do to prevent dehydration is worth it in the long run. Dehydration is something to be taken seriously. Electrolytes When you were sick, did anyone tell you to drink fluids high in electrolytes' I have. What are electrolytes and how important are they to our bodies' Electrolytes are substances that become ions in solution and acquire the capacity to conduct electricity (Stoppler, 2010). Electrolytes are found in the human body, and the balance of these electrolytes is essential for normal function of our cells and organs (Stoppler, 2010). Common electrolytes found in the human body include; sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate (Stoppler, 2010). All of these electrolytes play a vital role in the human body. Sodium in the human body regulates the total amount of water in the body and transmission of sodium into and out of individual cells also plays a role in critical body functions. Many processes in the human body, especially in the brain, nervous system and muscles, require electrical signals for communication (Stoppler, 2020). These electrical signals are generated by the movement of sodium (Stoppler, 2010). Cells can malfunction if there is too much or too little sodium and death can occur if the blood sodium levels are extreme (Stoppler, 2010). Potassium in the human body regulates the heartbeat and the function of the muscles (Stoppler, 2010). It is important to keep the proper levels of potassium in the body for normal cell function (Stoppler, 2010). An abnormal increase or decrease in potassium can affect the nervous system and increases the chance of irregular heartbeats (Stoppler, 2010). These irregular heartbeats can be fatal (Stoppler, 2010). Chloride is the major anion found in the fluid outside of cells and in the blood (Stoppler, 2010). It plays a role in helping the body maintain a normal balance of fluids (Stoppler, 2010). The body closely regulates the balance of the chloride ion (Stoppler, 2010). Extreme increases or decreases in chloride can have deleterious or even fatal consequences (Stoppler, 2010). Bicarbonate acts as a buffer to maintain the normal levels of acidity in blood and other fluids in the body (Stoppler, 2010). The levels of bicarbonate are measured to monitor the acidity of the blood and body fluids (Stoppler, 2010). The acidity can be affected by foods or medications that we ingest and the functions of the kidneys and lungs (Stoppler, 2010). A disruption in the normal bicarbonate levels may be due to diseases that interfere with respiratory function, kidney diseases, metabolic conditions, or other causes (Stoppler, 2010). Conclusion Water is vital to the human body. It is used in many functions within the body. Without water the body can become dehydrated and in severe cases lead to death. There are preventative measures we can take to prevent dehydration; the biggest is simply drinking more water. Electrolytes are also important for the body to function properly. Electrolytes also help in the prevention of dehydration. Overall it is important to keep the body hydrated at all times. Dehydration is a serious problem that can be prevented if the body is getting enough water. Remember, water is our fuel, without it we will not work properly. REFERENCES MayoClinic (1998-2010). Functions of water in the body. MayoClinic. Retrieved on December 10, 2010 from, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM00594 Stoppler, M. (2010). Electrolytes. MedicineNet. Retrieved on December 10,2010 from, http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp:articlekey=16387 WebMD ( 2005-2007). Information and Resources: Dehydration in Adults. WebMD. Retrieved On December 10, 2010 from, http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dehydration-adults Zellman, K. (2005-2007). 6 Reasons to Drink Water. WebMD. Retrieved on December 10, 2010 from, http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water