Dehydration

DEHYDRATION 3 Dehydration Every living thing needs water to survive. Following this further, the human body is 60% water (, 2009). Many people do not understand how important water is to maintain their health. However, the body depends on water to do many functions. Water is involved in every process that takes place inside the body, from digestion to circulation (, 2010). Without water, the human body would not be able to do any of the function that is crucial for survival. Water is essential for maintaining health. It clears the body of toxins that can cause harm if built up. Water can relieve heartburn and headaches (, 2010). Water fills the stomach up without adding calories, so it helps maintain a healthy weight and overeating. It is proven that water can make a person feel more energetic (, 2010). Finally, water can protect against colon and bladder cancer (, 2010). Water is a cure for many common ailments, including allergies, high blood pressure, lower back and neck pain, headaches, and many more. ( The Dehl Group, 1998). Water is essential because the body depends on it to carry out many functions. Water has many functions in the body. Water is responsible for necessary nutrients to the cells. Also, water removes waste products and toxins that organs reject through urine and feces (, 2009). Furthermore, water contributes in the biochemical break down of food (, 2009). Water also helps maintain body temperature. Water allows the body to release heat when the surrounding temperature is higher than body temperature (, 2009). The sweat that is released evaporates and cools the body. Water is used as DEHYDATION 5 lubricant around the joints (, 2009). Lastly, it acts as a shock absorber for the eyes, spinal cord, and fetus (, 2009). As previously stated, the body depends on water to complete every function within it. Not only does the body get put under lots of unnecessary stress if it does not get enough water, it can also develop serious health problems (, 2010). The body will have a hard time getting rid of wastes and toxins without the right amount of water. It will cause bad body odor, strong smelling- dark colored urine, and bad breath (, 2010). Headaches, fainting spells, and exhaustion are common in people who are dehydrated. Most importantly, without enough water, the blood starts to thicken. This increases the chances of heart damage and stroke (, 2010). Finally, dehydration tends to speed up the ageing process. Water is crucial for the body’s wellbeing. Electrolytes are very important when it comes to staying hydrated. Electrolytes are significant for cells to function and allow the body to work right (Wedro, B. C., 2010). There are many different electrolytes in the body. Sodium, potassium, and chloride are some examples. Sodium is mostly found outside of a cell (Wedro, B.C., 2010). It is important to water regulation because water usually stays by the sodium. Sodium helps the electrical signals, allowing muscle to fire and the brain to work (Wedro, B.C., 2010). Too much sodium is connected with dehydration. There is too much sodium and not enough water. A lose of sodium is caused by drinking too much DEHYDATION 6 water that it dilutes the sodium and overwhelms the kidneys ( Wedro, B.C., 2010). Unlike sodium, potassium is usually found inside the cell ( Wedro, B.C, 2010). The difference in the amount within the cell compared to the plasma, is important in the production of electrical impulses in the body that contribute to muscle and brain function ( Wedro, B.C, 2010). Too much potassium in the body is life threatening. It causes abnormal electrical conduction in the heart and is associated with kidney failure (Wedro, B.C, 2010). Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes. Chloride is responsible for keeping the amount of fluid inside and outside cells in balance (, 2011). Also, it is used to maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of bodily fluids (, 2011). The body needs electrolytes to stay hydrated. Many people are not aware of the effects alcohol and caffeine has on the body. A study at the University of Nebraska Medical Center compared hydration levels when participants drank different amounts of water, caffeinated, and non-caffeinated drinks ( Nilsen, R., 2011). It was concluded that there was no difference in hydration levels of those who drank similar amounts of caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks (Nilsen, R., 2011). Caffeine does cause urination more frequently. However, the effect is mild and does not cause dehydration. Alcohol on the other hand does dehydrate the body. Alcohol acts as a diuretic; which means that it forces the body to lose water through frequent urination ( Nilsen, R., 2011). Water and salt is not reabsorbed into the body and water is lost through urination ( Nilsen, R., 2011). This cause s dehydration, as well as the lose of magnesium, potassium, calcium, and zinc ( Nilsen, R., 2011). Contrary to what most people believe, caffeine does not dehydrate the body, but alcohol does. DEHYDRATION 7 It is very important for the body to stay hydrated especially in the summer. It is very easy to make sure enough water is being consumed on a daily bases. The first step is to get into a good habit of starting off the day with a glass or two of water. For people who do not like drinking plain water, lemon or lime can be added to make it more appealing (, 2010). A glass of water during breaks at work will help to feel energized and hydrated throughout the rest of the day (, 2010). The most important thing to remember when staying hydrated is not to wait until thirst occurs to drink water. By then, the body is already starting to get dehydrated (, 2010). Contrary to beliefs, drinking water with meals should be avoided because it reduces gastric juices and slows down the digestive process (, 2010). Water should be consumed between meals. A water filter can be used to remove chemicals and metals from tap water to make the water healthier and taste better. It is important to remember that the effects of being hydrated will not be felt right away. It will take a few days to feel a difference. Water makes up about 60% of the human body. Many people are at risk of severe dehydration and do not even realize it. The body needs about eight glasses of water a day to stay properly hydrated. An easy way to tell if the body is hydrated is to check if the urine is a nice pale yellow. If it is not, it is an easy indicator that more water needs to be consumed. In conclusion, the body would not be able to complete any function that is needed to survive. DEHYDRATION 8 References Nilsen, R. (2011). LiveStrong.com. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/111823-effects-can-alcohol-caffeine/ The Dehl Group . (1998). ChemCraft, Inc. . Retrieved from http://www.chemcraft.net/wbody.html Wedro, B. C. (2010). eMedicineHealth . Retrieved from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/electrolytes/article_em.htm (2009). Nestle Waters. Retrieved from http://www.nestle-waters.com/healthy-hydration/understanding-hydration/body-water.html (2010). Natural Health Restored . Retrieved from http://www.natural-health-restored.com/benefits-of-water.html (2011). WedMD. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/chloride-cl