Dehydration

Dehydration Stephany Winfrey July 31, 2010 Sci 241 Axia College Water is an essential element of the body and critical component to human life. Adequate hydration is a must to allow the body to function properly. Up to 75% of the body’s weight is made up of water (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Most of this water is found in the body’s cells or intracellular space. The rest of the water is found in what is known as the extracellular space, which consists of blood vessels and the spaces between the cells. Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is more than the amount taken in (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Dehydration can sometimes occur quickly, depending on the circumstances. Overexertion in warm weather or exercise can cause a person to become dehydrated. A dehydrated person may experience dizziness and nausea. This paper will discuss water and its essentials to health maintenance, water’s function in the body, and the effects on the body when it does not receive the proper amount of water it needs to function. It will also compare and contrast electrolytes and function within the body, and the effects that alcohol and caffeine have on the hydration levels in the body, and lastly, steps that people can take to avoid dehydration. Dehydration happens when the body does not receive the required amount of water necessary to maintain an even flow. Water is essential to health maintenance because it accounts for over half of adult body weight. The flow of water within the body which is used in and around major organs to maintain the body’s functioning; also helps the blood flow, and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which is critical for digestion. The water that is lost through normal body functions must be replaced. We lose water when we breathe and humidified air leaves the body, sweating, urination or have a bowel movement (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). On a normal day, a person must drink a significant amount of water to replace the water that they lost. If the water within the blood vessels is lost, the body can try to compensate by shifting water within the cells into the blood vessels, as a very short term solution. The body exists within a very small range of parameters, and symptoms of dehydration will occur quickly if the water is not replaced. The body is able to monitor its fluid intake in order to function (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). The thirst mechanism triggers to notify the body to drink water when the body is dry. Also, hormones such as anti diuretic hormone work with the kidneys to limit the water lost in urine when the body needs to save water (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). When any symptoms that indicate that dehydration may be imminent are present, the person should start to consume fluids. Dehydration can be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, sweat, burns, diabetes, and the inability to drink water. Diarrhea is the most common cause of dehydration as one loses excessive amounts of water with each bowel movement (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Vomiting is also a big cause of fluid loss and it can be very difficult to replace the fluids by drinking if the person is unable to tolerate liquids. People with diabetes have elevated blood sugar levels which cause sugar to spill into the urine and water follows, which can also cause dehydration (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Because of this, frequent urination and excessive thirst are early symptoms of diabetes. The body’s initial responses to dehydration are thirst and decreased urine output (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Urine will become concentrated and dark yellow in color. As the loss of water increases, more symptoms will become more apparent. Other signs and symptoms of dehydration are dry mouth, little or no tears, sweating may stop, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations, and dizziness, increased when standing (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). The body will try to maintain cardiac output and if the amount of fluid in the blood vessels is decreased, the body will try to compensate for the decrease by increasing the heart rate and making blood vessels constrict in an effort to maintain blood pressure and blood flow to the vital organs of the body (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). This effort to cope will begin to fail as the level of dehydration increases. With severe dehydration, confusion and weakness will occur as the brain and other organs receive less blood (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Dehydration is very serious if it can cause disorientation. Coma, organ failure, and death could eventually occur if dehydration goes on untreated. Electrolytes are chemicals in the body that are required to regulate nerve and muscle function and other physiological functions. They also become ions in solutions and acquire the capacity to conduct electricity (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Sodium, potassium, and chloride are all important electrolytes in the body. Potassium is important for the regulation of heartbeat and muscle functions. Sodium regulates the amount of water in the body and aids in osmosis. The movement of sodium results in the electric signals required for communication between cells. Chloride is a negative ion used for maintaining the fluid balance in the body. Sodium is the main electrolyte. Sodium and potassium are both positive ions. Electrolytes are the key to maintaining a healthy balance of water between intercellular and intracellular regions of the body. Chloride helps support osmosis by keeping sodium levels balanced. Water has several functions in the body such as regulating temperature, lubricating joints, flushing out wastes, protecting the tissues and organs of the body, transport oxygen to the cells of the body, and breaking down nutrients for absorption in the intestines. The water which is found within our bodies transports cells, food, blood, oxygen and nutrients; in addition, water returns waste products to the kidneys for excretions. The water within our bodies also protects our cells, eyes, joints, and mouths, along with the fetuses within pregnant women while they are within the womb. Caffeinated beverages and excessive alcohol can cause a person that is consuming a person to urinate more, which can lead to dehydration. Alcohol and caffeine both have diuretic functions, and they can take a toll on the body. These beverages should be avoided, or at least water should be consumed along with them to counteract the diuretic functions. People can avoid dehydration by drinking a lot of vitamin fortified water, or tap water. A person should always remember to drink water before exercising, during exercise, and after exercise. Most people swear by the eight glasses of water a day theory, but it really depends on the amount of water that a person loses a day. As long as a person replaces the water they lose, then they should be able to avoid dehydration. References Axia College University of Phoenix chapter nine “Water and Minerals” Retrieved July 31, 2010 from SCI 241 The Science of Nutrition. Medicine.net. (1996-2010). Dehydration. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/dehydration/article.htm Medicine.net. (1996-2010). Electrolytes. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/electrolytes/article.htm