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DEHYDRATION Water makes up approximately 75% of the weight of the human body. It is an essential element which allows the proper functioning of the body. Most of the water is contained within the cells, and the blood vessels, but also in the interstitial space between the cells. The body is continuously changing. Cells are dividing, being sloughed off, and food coming into the body while at the same time, energy being expended. Part of this continuous change is water constantly leaving the body in several different ways. Breathing expels moisture (water) into the atmosphere and therefore is a loss from the body. Sweating expels water from our pores in order to maintain a constant body temperature. This is necessary for the safety of the bodily organs, but in the process, the body is depleted of moisture. When a person urinates or defecates, water is lost from the body as well. The amounts of the water lost during these processes can vary, of course. Some people sweat more than others. In a hot climate or living or working in a higher temperature, it could greatly increase the amount of sweat expelled. If a person is working hard, water is being expelled more from a shallow breathing individual. Not everyone even eliminates waste at the same rate. One thing is certain no matter what the rate of water lost each day: Enough fluid must be taken into the body to equal the water lost, or dehydration will result. This can amount to a significant amount depending on the individual. It is estimated that on an average, for a 100 pound person, 50 fluid ounces of water must be taken in every day. The body is actually able to monitor and indicate the amount of water necessary for proper functioning. The first, and most obvious indication is thirst. But, the kidneys also tend to limit the amount of water excreted when the body needs to conserve water, such as in an extreme situation or when the individual routinely does not make sure the fluid intake is sufficient. Dehydration is the term for a body which is depleted of water and this can sometimes cause servere effects. There are multiple causes for actual dehydration, besides just not drinking water or other foods that contain enough fluid. Some other causes of dehydration include:Vomiting. Since this usually indicates nausea, it is difficult to drink enough right at the time to counteract the loss of the fluids. Diarrhea. It is the most common reason for a person to lose a lot of water. In areas of the world where certain diseases are common such as dysentery, dehydration can be fatal. Sweat. As mentioned before, the body can lose significant amounts of water just by sweating. It has to sweat to cool itself. It does not have to be just normal sweating, but intense exercise or an unusually hot environment can trigger dehydration. If the body is not functioning properly, too much sweat can occur expelling excess water. Diabetes. In people with diabetes, they often have frequent urination which is not balanced by enough water intake. Burns. Severe burns take off skin which is the protective barrier for the body and for the regulation of fluid loss. The damaged skin cannot stop the water from literally leaking out and often results in dehydration. Inability to drink fluids. The inability to drink enough water is another potential cause of dehydration. It could be the lack of drinkable water, some illness or a bodily anomaly. Many people around the world simply do not have enough clean water to stave off dehydration. Initially, the body suffering from dehydration will exhibit thirst and then the kidneys will slow down, or shut down. As the water loss in the body increases, the person will experience some of all of the following:The eyes stop making tearsSweating may stopDry mouthMuscle crampingNausea and vomiting Heart beating fastDizziness Weakness in generalDecreased urine outputWith severe dehydration, weakness and mental confusion occurs as the brain and the other organs get less blood, because of less water. At the last stages, organs will fail and death will occur. In dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities may occur since important chemicals (like sodium, potassium, and chloride) are lost from the body through sweat. For example, individuals suffering from diarrhea or vomiting could lose significant amounts of potassium, causing muscle weakness and heart rhythm disturbances. Some examples of symptoms caused by abnormal electrolyte levels include muscle weakness due to the loss of potassium, heart beating problems due to fluctuations in potassium levels and even sometimes seizures due to sodium disturbances. Dehydration does not occur quickly, and sometimes it may take hours to slowly correct the fluid amount and allow the electrolytes to regulate themselves appropriately in the different spaces in the body. If rehydration is done too slowly, the person may not recover quickly from the dehydration. If done too quickly, water and electrolyte concentrations within organ cells can be go bad, causing cells to swell. Alcohol and caffeine drinks act as diuretics, removing water from the body and can actually add to the problem of fluid loss. People might think that drinking many soda drinks, tea, coffee, or cocktails are adding fluid to their systems, but the opposite is true. The best way to treat dehydration is of course, prevention. People should become aware of the constant need for water and develop a habit of drinking water several times a day. Other drinks can be substituted for the non-water drinking individuals. Milk, non-caffeinated tea, carbonated fruit drinks, can be easily added to a person’s diet. Fruit often has a high fluid content and while not the total answer, can add some much needed water to the body, as can many vegetables. Aside from what is taken into the body, athletes and others should be aware of proper clothing when exercising. Higher temperatures in the home only depletes the fluids for the people living there. And, when a person is ill and suffering from nausea or diarrhea, it must be taken very seriously and a physician should be consulted. This is especially important for young children or anyone in fragile health. ................
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