Dehydration

What is dehydration? Dehydration is defined as a loss or insufficient levels of water and important blood salts like potassium and sodium in your body. Important organs like the kidneys, brain, and heart cannot function properly without water and salt. Dehydration is most common in underdeveloped countries, were diseases like cholera and dysentery kill millions every year. Unfortunately, infants and small children are the most likely victims. The elderly are also at high risk since some of them forget things like to drink water. I can remember working on the ambulance and I always had one patient every month that we would pickup for being dehydrated still, if the right conditions are present like severe vomiting or diarrhea even those in modern countries like those in the U.S. can become dangerously dehydrated. That is why water is essential to maintain the health of the human body. So since are our bodies are estimated to be about 60 to 70 percent water. From our blood, which is, mostly water, and our muscles, lungs, and brain all contain a lot of water. Our body needs water to regulate its body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all of the organs. Water also transports oxygen to your cells, removes waste, and protects our joints and organs.

Throughout the day, your body will lose water every time you urinate, respiration, and by sweating. How much water you lose depends on your lifestyle if you are a very active, you will lose more water then someone who is sedentary. That is why it is important to make sure you do not get dehydration some signs of mild dehydration would include chronic pains in the joints and muscles, headaches, lower back pain and constipation. I know when I worked on the ambulance people did not pay attention to the symptoms. That is why some doctors will ask you if there is a strong odor to your urine the if the color is yellow or amber it will indicate that you might not be getting enough water. Thirst is an...