Dehydration

Functions
The functions of water in the body do a lot more than just quenching your thirst. Water is an essential nutrient for your body and everyone needs it. Water keeps you hydrated and protects the body against heat exhaustion on a hot summer day. It transports medicines, nutrients, and carries away waste while preventing constipation. Ever notice when you need to drink water your mouth and eyes feel dry? Water maintains the level of moisture in your eyes, mouth, and nose! In order for your body to maintain a healthy level of fluid and continue functioning properly it's suggested an individual drink eight glasses of water each day. (1999, Water). Each person needs a different amount of fluid intake to remain hydrated but it's important to drink throughout the day even if you aren't thirsty. Drinking beverages such as milk, lemonade, juices, and flavored water are alternatives to plain tap or spring water.

Dehydration
The human body is made up of about two thirds water and losing large amounts of fluid may cause dehydration. (2006, Gavin). Dehydration is caused by insufficient levels of water and without replenishment proper bodily functions are impaired. The body does not tend to show outward and noticeable signs of fluid loss in the early stages of dehydration. When the level of water continues to decrease the body begins to show signs and symptoms of mild dehydration. The symptoms may include;

Dizziness
Nausea
Cramps
Dry mouth
Extreme thirst
Flushed face
Headache
Weakness

Individual's ignoring the symptoms of dehydration without appropriate replenishment will continue to endanger their health. Experiencing severe dehydration may result in major organ failure and/or death is not treated immediately. (2006, Dehydration). In addition to mild dehydration, severe dehydration may include;

Low blood pressure
Fainting
Convulsions
Bloated abdomen
Rapid breathing
Weak pulse
Confusion
Unconsciousness

Prevention
It's important for people to prevent dehydration because of severe health risks. Each person requires different amounts of fluid consumption on a daily basis but drinking plenty of fluids is the initial step. Participating in athletic events, strenuous activities, and suffering with a viral infection are common onsets of dehydration. Sporting events and other activities that require strenuous physical activity cause people to sweat and begin losing fluid. Drinking water, PowerAde, and/or Gatorade are great choices to preventing dehydration during physical activity. People suffering with a viral infection tend to lose lots of fluids by excessive vomiting and diarrhea. It may be difficult for people with a stomach bug to hold down fluid but it's important to try. Either sipping on fluids or eating a popsicle is recommended. Even if you are not being physically active it's still important to drink plenty of fluids. (2006, Gavin).

Electrolytes
Electrolytes are substances that form into ions in the body and have the ability to conduct electricity. Three common electrolytes are sodium, chloride, and potassium. Simple blood tests are done to measure the levels of electrolytes in the body. It's important for people to maintain healthy levels of electrolytes because too much or too little may be fatal. Going below or above the healthy range of electrolytes in the body may result in fainting, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and much more.

Sodium is a positive ion found outside of cells in the blood. Sodium is found in table salt or food products pre-salted. Have you ever heard of people cutting back on their sodium intake because they have high blood pressure? Excess sodium intake increases the risk of hypertension and stroke. Products that contain sodium are digested and excreted through urine - which wouldn't be possible without fluid.

Chloride is a negative charged ion and found in fluid surrounding the cells in blood. Chloride is found in many different food products and is essential to maintaining water balance. Most often people get chloride from eating table salt which is also known as sodium chloride. Chloride is also an important component of gastric juices.

Potassium is a positive ion and found inside of the cells in the blood stream. Potassium is found in a number of foods but common fruits are bananas, apricots, and peaches. It's important for individual's to consume healthy levels of potassium because the substance helps muscle function and transmits nerve impulses. Excessive amounts of potassium may cause heart problems that result in cardiac arrest. These risks are especially increased for children. (2006, Stoppler).

Alcohol & Caffeine
Throughout the United States people often drink caffeinated beverages in order to stay awake and feel more energized. Caffeinated beverages include soda pop, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which makes a person urinate more frequently than necessary.
References
Dehydration. (2006). What are the symptoms of dehydration? Rehydration Project. Retrieved January 16, 2007 from htttp://www.rehydrate.org
Gavin, M. MD. (2006). Dehydration. Teens Health. Retrieved January 17, 2007 from http://www.kidshealth.org
Kendall, P. Ph.D., R.D. (2003). The effects of caffeine on hydration and bone loss. ColoradoStateUniversity. Retrieved January 16, 2007 from http://www.ext.colostate.edu
Stoppler, M. M.D. (2006). Electrolytes. Medicine Net. Retrieved January 17, 2007 from http://www.medicinenet.com
Water. (1999). Take charge of your health. GeorgiaDepartment of Human Resources; Division of Aging Services. Retrieved January 20, 2007 from http://www.aging.state.va.us