Sci 241 Dehydration

We have all seen the silly cartoons, with a cartoon character dragging themselves across the dry desert, the sun almost seems to vibrate in the sky, and then suddenly the character begins to daydream about water oasis and swimming pools. No matter how funny and unrealistic this may seem to us, dehydration is a very real danger. Not just athletes or people who live in high temperatures are at risk, but everyone is at risk. There are adverse affects when the body does not get the water or electrolytes it needs. Limiting consumption of alcohol and caffeine can help the body retain its hydration levels. Preventing dehydration is the key to not feeling like that silly cartoon character dragging themselves across the desert in search for water, or worse, dying.

Water is essential to health maintenance in the body. According to Kathleen M. Zelmen, writer for WebMD and registered dietician, the human body is made of 60% water. The body uses water for many things including digestion, circulation, nutrient transportation, and maintenance for body temperature. (Zelman, 2012) Our bodies will lose water throughout the day when we urinate, sweat, and breath. Drinking water and eating food containing water help keep water levels normal and the body can function properly.

There are other benefits to staying hydrated. Many of the metabolism’s chemical reactions happen in water. There are chemical reactions in the body that water can either join water molecules or break apart. Water not only regulates body tempurature, but it is needed more during physical activity or to endure warmer climates. To keep cool, the body will sweat and that allows heat to be released through the skin as the sweat evaporates. (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006)

When the body does not get the water it needs, dehydration can set in quickly. The amount of water needed varies on physical activity, tempurature, and body size. The amount of physical activity is most important though, because water is lost...