Our very lives depend on water. The human body is generally 75% water and the brain is 85% water by weight (water in the brain helps protect it from the skull). Our cells are 75% to 90% water. We simply can’t stay alive without it. This is true for several reasons.
First, water is called the universal solvent and most of the body’s chemical reactions take place in solution. Second, water permits blood to flow through the arteries and veins. It keeps the blood fluid. Third, water is an excellent absorber of heat and this fact helps regulate body temperature both by storing heat when cold and by losing heat through evaporation (sweating) when hot. Sweating not only cools the body but also helps cleanse impurities and waste.
Much as we need water, our bodies are constantly losing it. We lose water in three ways. First, we lose water when we pass urine. The kidneys process 45 to 50 gallons of fluid a day and, though most of it is retained, the kidneys produce more than a quart of urine daily. Since urine is 95% water, we must replenish that water other ways. The body also loses water by perspiration and defecation.
We repeat, this lose means water must be replaced. We should each drink eight to ten glasses or two quarts of water daily. If we neglect this, we will soon become dehydrated. Perhaps as much as 75% of Americans are dehydrated to some extent. A person who experiences these symptoms should quickly deal with dehydration for it can be fatal.
Dehydration may occur because of sickness causing diarrhea and/or vomiting. During such times we may not be able to keep anything down. However, as soon as possible, start to replace the lost water. The old and the young are most likely to be dehydrated. The old are included because they lose the sense of thirst they had when they were younger. A lost of more than 1% of body weight is considered severe dehydration.
How can you tell if you are dehydrated? The first sign is passing only a small amount of dark urine. This person might also notice a rise in body temperature when not sick. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, extreme thirst, headaches, and confusion. A lack of tears or sunken eyes are also telltale signs.
If you suspect you are dehydrated, try this simple test. Pinch your skin, then let go. If you are dehydrated, the skin will be slow to return to its normal position. If you aren’t sure, drink a glass of water anyway. Here’s another plus: kidney stones are rare on people who drink sufficient pure water daily.
Low blood pressure, convulsions, loss of consciousness, inelasticity of the skin, severe cramping of the arms, legs, stomach, and back, heart failure, sunken eyes, and deep, rapid breathing are all evidence of severe dehydration. In such cases, a person will need to replace salts and glucose as well as water.
Of course, what is in the water we drink is also important. Make sure it is pure and don’t necessarily trust the faucet. In summary, be sure you are drinking sufficient pure water each day. You will be much healthier if you religiously drink two quarts a day.
Tags: dehydration, dehydration causes, dehydration effects, dehydration symptoms