We hear the word often and know in a general sense what it means—not drinking enough fluids so as to cause the body to become dehydrated. However, do we completely understand the symptoms, causes and treatments for this all-too-familiar malady?
MayoClinic.com describes dehydration as something that “occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions.”
The body needs a certain amount of fluid in order to operate or function normally. The longer the body experiences dehydration, the more severe it becomes. For many, however, dehydration is usually mild or moderate.
Typically, dehydration is associated with sickness, as when we suffer from vomiting or diarrhea or other flu-like symptoms. These symptoms cause the body to lose fluids while also, in many cases, preventing the body from adequately re-supplying those lost fluids.
In addition, dehydration can also occur after intense exercise or workouts, especially if sufficient fluid intake is not practiced.
To prevent dehydration while exercising, regular fluid intake is important before, during and after a workout. Hydrating before a workout helps the body to build up reserves, while hydrating during and after exercise helps replace fluids lost during exercise.
If dehydration is serious, individuals should call their doctor or go to an emergency room. Severe dehydration is characterized by extreme thirst, lack of sweating, little or no urination and rapid heartbeat, among other symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com.
Water or sports drinks are both good sources of fluids to prevent dehydration. Both help the body to rehydrate.
Dehydration can become serious if sufficient attention is not paid to its symptoms and causes. It’s important to stay in-tune with the body—knowing early on when symptoms appear and what to do to treat those symptoms.
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- Water Versus Sports Drinks
- How Much Water Should I Drink?
- Is Your Child Drinking Enough Water?
- Water and Digestion: Does It Help?
- New Hydration Options for Runners
