Dehydration

Dehydration 4/1/2012 | Andrea Washington SCI/241 | Water is an essential part of health care for many reasons. Most importantly, water is a major component of tissues and cells in the body. Which means our very make up is dependent on being properly hydrated. Without water our organs can fail, we are faster and will ultimately perish. When you look at the various life forms on earth, water is an integral link that most all life forms need to survive. After reading that I bet you are wondering where I am going with this and what I mean by this... Not having enough water can lead to a serious well known unhandled issue called Dehydration which can lead to death! Water is our body’s principal component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example my niece was just hosptiazled because she was 70% dehydrated and we had no idea. Her breath was stinking real badly and the inside of her mouth was raw, so she end up having to have an IV and she was fed fluids to help her regain her level of hydration. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, something that happens when there is not enough water in your system. Water flushes toxins out of your vital organs, and then carries it to your cells. (Mayo Clinic 2012) Water is needed to break down and digest food. Food cannot be digested without water... There are so many functions of water in the body, however the main function that we should rely on is making sure we get at least 8 ounce glasses of water, and this has been a cliché for years, however it has been proven that the body will function as we drink more water. Our bodies cannot function without water, its impossible. Water regulates your body temperature, maintains your equilibrium and helps the live break down and releases more fat. Your brain tissue is 85% water. Often times we ask how much is enough' Our body needs about three quarts of replacement water every day under normal conditions... I went to my doctor last week and we discussed a lot of things and one of things that we had a talk about was letting go of the diet sodas and going straight to a detox of just water... He then suggested I go on a natural herb called Bee Pollen that requires a lot of water, only water, no flavor water and splendor, just straight water and this helped me open my eyes to see how important water really is! Electrolyte is the scientific and medical term for salts in the human body! The body is made of three major electrolytes and each has a meaning and a place to play in helping the body run smooth... Sodium is the major positive ion in the fluid outside cells. Basically too much or too little sodium therefore can cause cells to act different and can be fatal. While Potassium is the major positive ion found inside cells in the human body. Not having enough or having too much potassium can be also fatal. For example I had major surgery and after wards my potassium level dropped so low that I was given an IV full of potassium which caused me to stay in the hospital longer than expected. After leaving the hospital my potassium still was low and I was given big horse pills to bring it back up to where it was supposed to be. I found out that not having enough potassium would decrease the muscle functions and deal with my heartbeat, very important to have the right amount of potassium. Sodium and Potassium work hand in hand, while Chloride is the major negative ion found in the fluid outside the cells as well as in the blood. Chloride plays an important role in helping the body maintain a normal balance of fluids; small changes can result in illnesses, and can become fatal as well... As we look into all three of these electrolytes are very important and we must make sure our body is up to par with the correct intakes, and right levels. There are so many effects when dealing with hydration from alcohol and caffeine. Potential risks can be if one is consuming more than 600 mg of caffeine, the amount found in four to seven cups of coffee, may have a diuretic effect.(Zeratsky 2012 LiveStrong Pg 2) It can cause dry mouth, thirst, sleepiness, dry skin, headache, constipation, low moods and some lightheadachess. Researches once believed that caffeinated beverages have a diuretic or fluid flushing effect (Mayo Clinic Katherine Zeratasty) it can be dangerous with the amount of intake of alcohol and caffeine. For example back in 2003 I would be drinking wine coolers and gulping them down, one after a another and then I would experience dry mouth and always wanting something to drink, come to find out I was totally dehydrated and I had to get two bags of fluid to get back into my body.. I didn’t even realize I was in that bad of shape, but knowing is knowledge, so I have found out that water is your best best. (Washington, Zeratsky) After doing a research and talking to my doctor I found out that we must know our body to be able to take care of our body... I found out so much about my body after having a major surgery and it was a life and death one, however now I am on my way to better days and to ensure that one does not become dehydrated can happen in more than one ways. First personal step is to obtain a doctor or someone who is licensed to lead you and guide you in making steps for a healthy way of living. To avoid dehydrated is to drink the recommended fluids per day, knowing the answer to that is water, water is the best key. A second step would be a reduction in salt. This would be possible by eating unprocessed foods rather than processed. As I have learned McDonalds, and other fast food fatty places are so not good for us... Use other seasons instead of salt, try garlic, onions, Mrs. Dash, and so on. (Crisp, James) Doing all things in moderation and maintain a balance in the diet, water intake and exercise and heat. Knowing is knowledge (Washington, Andréa) Drink water, eat right and this will keep you hydrated... Live to learn and learn to live References www.cure.co.za/salt.htm (Pg 1,3,4) www.helpwithcooking.com/nutrition-information/water-nutrition.html www.livestrong.com/article/504497-what-effect-can-caffeine-have-on-hydration-levels/ ezinearticles.com/'Dehydration-Prevention&id=4263638 www.mayoclinic.com