Dehydration

Dehydration Student: Axia Collage of University of Phoenix Instructor: Course: SCI 241-The Science of Nutrition Date: In the human body, water makes up more than half of the weight. Therefore, a person must drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. If a person feels nauseated, light-headed, or dizzy, it is probably because the body is dehydrated. Dehydration is not having enough water in the body, which causes the body to react to not having enough nutrients in the body. Water is essential to sustaining life. Health Maintenance Water is essential for maintaining a healthy body but most people take it for granted because it is so easily attainable. A person can survive up to two months without water, but can only survive a few days without water. The body is a complex structure made up of different systems and every one of them must have water in order to function properly. Water in the bloodstream helps to carry the necessary nutrients and oxygen through the body in and out of cells (Grosvenor and Smolin, 2006). Functions of Water In order for the body to function properly, it must stay hydrated. The body loses about 2-3 quarts of water through sweating, urinating, and breathing in a day. Water aids in keeping the body temperature where it should be, 98 degrees and by keeping it cool when sweating. Water acts as a solvent to dissolve many substances in cells. Water also plays a role in flushes out toxins in the body when urinating. Saliva and mucous lubricate the lining of the digestive system so it can function in a proper manner. The mucous membranes located in the nose and eyes are able to function better if they are well hydrated by water. It is important to make sure that water is being replenished in the body by drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day (Grosvenor and Smolin, 2006). Not Enough Water If the body does not get enough water that it needs, it will become dehydrated and could cause many complications. If the body become dehydrated it could be life threatening. When the body losses enough water it reduces the volume of blood, which affects delivery of oxygen and nutrients that are needed by the cell to eliminate waste products. The body will feel the early effects of dehydration by feeling thirsty, headaches, little to no energy, loss of appetite, and dry mouth and eyes, and the urine will be dark colored. If the body continues to loss more water it will affect the ability to think and perform normal functions. The body will not be able to concentrate and will become confused if it does not get enough water (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006). Electrolytes In order to keep the body alive and moving around, it must depend on nerve impulses and the contracting of muscles. The activities of nerves and muscles in the body are set off by the movement of an electrically charged ion. Because these ions are electrical currents, they are called electrolytes. The most important electrolytes the body needs to stay hydrated are sodium, potassium, and chloride. These electrolytes help the body to maintain the balance of fluid and an acid-base balance all through the body. Sodium is needed to help the body maintain necessary nutrients and make the body systems function properly. Without sodium, the body would not be able to maintain a proper level of water and minerals. Potassium is needed for the growth and maintenance of the body. It plays a key role in keeping a normal balance of water throughout the cells and body fluids. Another key role that potassium plays is the stimulation of nerves and muscle contractions. Chloride plays the most important role in your blood. The fluids inside and outside of the cells need to stay balanced and chloride helps them to do it. Chloride also maintains proper levels of blood volume and blood pressure (WebMd, 2008). Alcohol and Caffeine The effects of alcohol and caffeine bring the levels of hydration down to low levels in the body. The kidneys function as a filter for all the things put into the body. The water is reabsorbed in the kidneys and cannot do so if a person has been drinking excessively, therefore the body losses water. It is important to remember to drink plenty of water before a night of drinking to help the body stay hydrated. The effects of drinking too much alcohol or caffeine will cause the body to have an imbalance of vitamins and minerals. Steps to Stay Hydrated People may take several steps to ensure they do not become dehydrated. If a person is very active, then they must make sure they are drinking plenty of water before, during, and after being active. Because children are so active all the time, parents should encourage them to drink a lot of water instead of soda. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas or coffee because they increase the urine output and allow the body to dehydrate at a faster rate. Alcohol increases dehydration in people and also should be avoided. If a person is on a high-fiber diet, they should drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day in order to keep their bodies properly hydrated. If a person becomes dehydrated, it could have devastating effects on their body. To stay hydrated a person should consume about eight to ten eight ounce glasses of water a day. Some people find water too boring and do not drink it at all. There are different flavored waters on the market today to choose from and that can still give a person the same benefits as plain water. These flavored waters are low in calorie and do not pose a threat to someone who is trying to lower their calorie intake (WebMd, 2008). People do not realize that becoming dehydrated could be life threatening. Water plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy body and allows the many body systems to function properly. Without water, a person could die in a matter of days. When drinking alcohol, people should always consume enough water in order to stay hydrated and avoid hangovers. Electrolytes play a key role in keeping the body hydrated. References: Grosvenor, M. B., & Smolin, L. A. (2006). Nutrition: Everyday Choices. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons WebMd.com. (2008). Electrolytes. Retrieved January 17, 2010 from: http://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx'query=sodium%2C%20potas sium%20and%20chloride&sourceType=undefined