The body requires water and other fluids to function properly when the body discharges more water than it consumes, it becomes dehydrated.
The body requires water and other fluids to function properly when the body discharges more water than it consumes, it becomes dehydrated.
Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on how much fluid is missing from the body.
It is normal for the body to lose water, most commonly this is done by sweating, urinating, defecating, through tears, salivation, and even breathing.
The amount of water used or discharged by the body is usually replaced with by drinking fluids or eating foods that contain water, but certain conditions will cause the body to lose more water than normal, these include: • Fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Excessive urination due to illnesses like diabetes or medications like diuretics
• Burns
Drink Plenty of Fluids
The recommended amount of water to drink for an average moderately active adult is 8 to 10 glasses a day, athletes and people on the go should increase their water intake.
Before exercising or playing sports, you drink 1-3 cups of water and drink more at regular intervals while exercising.
Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and Vegetables have a high-water content, eating plenty of these will help maintain adequate water levels in your body.
Beware of Extreme Weather Conditions
When possible avoid doing activities during extreme heat, if you must work under these conditions make sure you have an ample supply of water nearby.
Extreme cold can be just as harmful as the body’s thirst response diminishes by up to 40% in cold weather, making it easier for individuals to become dehydrated.
Drink More Fluids When You Are Ill
If you are feeling under the weather and have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, you need to increase the amount of water you regularly drink to avoid becoming dehydrated.
An early indicator of dehydration is thirst, when we feel thirsty it is our body telling us it needs water, there will also be a decrease in urination as the body attempts to conserve water loss.
As the level of dehydration increases other symptoms will appear, these may differ by age.
Dehydration Signs in Infants and Young Children
Dehydration Symptoms in Adults
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