Water & Dehydration - Do We Take Water For Granted?

Here are a few little known facts about water: Only about 1.1% of water on the planet is suitable for drinking. Our bodies consist of between 55% and 75% water. Depression and fatigue are often symptoms of Dehydration. Drinking a glass or two of water can most times cure depression and fatigue. Drinking water with meals is healthy as it aids the digestion process. Drinking a lot of water can control water retention.

Water allows the body to metabolise fats more efficiently. Sufficient water intake prevents the skin from sagging. Water is the most important requirement of the body. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already Dehydrated. Often a headache will result from Dehydration. Children Dehydrate more quickly than adults and a survey revealed that 65% of schoolchildren drank too little water. 2% reduction of water levels in the body can lead to 20% decrease in mental and physical performance. Dehydration may induce contractions in pregnant women.

Dehydration:

Dehydration is the loss of water and salts essential for body functions. This occurs when more liquids and salts are lost than are taken in. Water and salts are lost through perspiration and excretion. One can easily become Dehydrated when partaking in sports activities, especially in hot and humid weather. Young children and the elderly are more susceptible to Dehydration. Children's bodies have a higher percentage of water than adults and they have higher metabolic rates. They stand a higher risk from those infections causing vomiting and Diarrhea and are dependent on others for their intake of foods and liquids. The elderly are prone to neurological conditions resulting from stroke and/or Alzheimer's disease, incontinence, decreased kidney function. They may find it difficult to control their intake or to convey their requirements to their caregiver.

Identifying Dehydration:

Thirst, listlessness and irritability (especially in children) can be seen as warnings in the early stages of Dehydration. In severe cases you may see increasing weakness and lethargy with a loss of the urge to drink. In children - especially infants - Dehydration can set in suddenly. Visible signs to look out for are dry, or chapped lips, dry mouth, tongue and pallet, dry eyes, restlessness, weak pulse, shallow breathing and a blue tinge to the skin which feels cold to the touch. When pinching the skin the return to normal will be sluggish in a Dehydrated person.

Other signs could be dizziness, extreme thirst and raised body temperature coupled with clammy cold skin. Nausea and muscle cramps can result from the loss of sodium and potassium. Extreme Dehydration can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and the patient going into shock with resultant damage to internal organs such as the kidneys, liver and the brain. Vomiting and diarrhea can easily lead to Dehydration if not curbed - especially in infants and the elderly. Dehydration is very common with children and can be life-threatening - particularly when cause by diarrhea and gastroenteritis.

In the case of diabetics, family members should be on the lookout for symptoms of Dehydration. If someone's skin feels cold to the touch, the seem dizzy and disorientated, have chapped lips or a dry mouth and they have low blood pressure, the need urgent medical attention to avoid serious medical complications. Treatment for Dehydration: The patient must be forced to take extra fluids - water and other liquids. (A solution of 1 litre pre-boiled water, 1/2 teaspoon salt & 8 teaspoons sugar is a simple home remedy. Te-hydration salts in sachets are readily available from pharmacies.

If the patient is unconscious or unable to drink, fluids can be administered through a tube inserted into the stomach. If vomiting is constant ant the patient is unable to hold the fluids down, intravenous re-hydration with electrolytes (sodium & potassium) may be required in order to restore the acid-base. When taking part in strenuous sporting activities, re-hydration should be a priority. "Sports" drinks containing the correct balance of carbohydrates and electrolytes for athletes are readily available.