Explanation of Dehydration and How to Avoid It

Dehydration is not only unhealthy and uncomfortable, it can be deadly. Here are some facts on its causes, tips on how to prevent it, and what to do if it becomes a problem.

In the area where I've lived for the past few years, I've known three other people who required medical intervention due to becoming dehydrated. My own experiences with the subject may be worth noting-- because of the extreme it went to from not having sufficient facts. When I first encountered dehydration while living in Texas, all it took was following the advice of the local hospital: drink as much liquid as you can tolerate. Unfortunately, where I made my mistake was assuming that the extreme temperature was the main cause, and therefore did not have to be concerned about dehydration after moving to the midwest. The bottom line is "it's not about the temperature- it's about the humidity." Or, as a neighbor explained it, "it's like breathing through water." I spent a couple of years in such a continuous state of dehydration that I was frequently teetering between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, often to the point of aggravating dizzy spells and feeling disoriented, having no idea what was going on. One day I stumbled up to a friend, pointed at a hospital across the street, and asked her if she thought they could help. They gave me a prescription for a generic form of Dramamine to combat the feeling of "motion sickness." There wasn't enough oxygen getting to my brain because, unaccustomed to this humid climate, I was unable to breathe.

For anyone who isn't familiar with this topic, the best way to avoid this problem is to keep yourself properly hydrated. Consume as much non-caffeinated, cool liquid as you can-- preferably water or Gatorade. In addition to helping you stay hydrated in general, Gatorade is also made to replenish the minerals your system loses through perspiration. Getting in the habit of using iced drinks has the potential to put your system into shock; and caffeinated drinks-- the ever-popular sodapop as well as coffee and tea-- do more harm than good. If possible, carry bottled water or Gatorade when you are out in the heat; and make a point of drinking even more liquid if you are engaging in any type of outdoor physical activity.

One fact which is clearly not well-known, especially in this particular locale, is that air conditioning strongly contributes to dehydration. What most people seem to not realize is that while air conditioning is "drying out the air," it is also drying out one's system, making the possibility of dehydration even more likely and more of a problem.

In the interest of preventing dehydration, antihistamines, decongestants, and alcohol should also be avoided.

One of the main problems with dehydration is that it is not always obvious. While it may be thought that thirst is a clear symptom, it usually does not set in until other symptoms have already occurred. A clammy feeling to the skin, light-headedness and dizziness, headache, muscle stiffness or pain-- these are all signs which you should heed. The general rule is that if you take the proper precautions as stated above, you will likely be able to prevent dehydration and keep your system regulated; but if you begin to exhibit these symptoms in a noticeable manner, you should seek medical help.