Dehydration
Denise Crago
Sci 241
October 3, 2010
Matthew Badtke

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 can not 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. Still, if the right conditions are present like severe vomiting or diarrhea even those in modern countries like the U.S. can become dangerously dehydrated. Water is the single most important element in the world. It is the very basis for all life on Earth. As babies, water accounts 70 to 80% of our body mass. The older we get the more this percentage decreases, eventually balancing at approximately 60 to 65% for men and 50 to 60% for women. The most important organ in the body, our brain, consists of 80% water. The amount of adipose tissue in our bodies determines the natural percentage of this element. Women tend to have more of this fatty tissue thus decreasing the amount of water present. The chemical make up water, hydrogen and oxygen, are crucial to sustaining life because of the weak chemical bonds made with other molecules. This allows water to act as the primary solvent for many bodily functions like digestion. Water is also an incredibly efficient conductor of electricity. Our brain heavily relies on its ability to conduct electrochemical impulses to our neurons. These high level brain functions are the foundations for everything ranging from intellectual thought to more mundane actions like breathing. In addition to these characteristics, water, can be a great dietary aid. This is accomplished by its ability to suppress your appetite, reduce sodium levels, and eliminate waste and toxins. If we do not have sufficient levels of water in our systems our bodies will naturally conserve it to avoid dehydration. If our glands and organs are not nourished by water, their functions begin to deteriorate. When the body's water supply is severely depleted, hypovolemic shock is likely to occur. This condition is characterized by pale, cool, clammy skin; rapid heartbeat; and shallow breathing. Your blood pressure can also drop to the point it can not easily be measured, and skin coloration at the knees and elbows may become blotchy. You may also experience an increase in anxiety, restlessness, and of course thirst. Lack of water will also increase your core temperature and damage to the vital organs will occur after the body has reached 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Dehydration can require hospitalization and intravenous fluid replacement. If your blood pressure drops enough, your body is more likely to go into shock and medical treatment will be required. When you are treated for dehydration, it is important that the underlying cause is alleviated. For example, if dehydration is caused by vomiting or diarrhea, medications may be prescribed to resolve these symptoms. People who are dehydrated due to diabetes, kidney disease, or adrenal gland disorders must receive treatment for these conditions as well as for the resulting dehydration. Being familiar with conditions that often lead to dehydration can be an advantage, some of these include: disease of the adrenal glands, which regulate the body's water and salt balance and the function of many organ systems, diabetes, eating disorders, kidney disease, and chronic lung disease. Along with water, deficiencies in electrolytes can be dangerous. Electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and chloride are mineral salts that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They help to maintain a variety of functions in the body. Some of these include: water balance, nerve cell function, and kidney and adrenal function. Potassium, specifically, is important for the conversion of blood sugar into glycogen, which is the how blood sugar is stored in the muscles and liver. A potassium shortage may result in lower levels of stored glycogen. When we exercise our muscles use glycogen for energy. A shortage of potassium can cause fatigue and muscle weakness. The electrolyte chloride is a negatively charged ion that joins with cat ions like sodium to form salt (sodium chloride) and with hydrogen to produce stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). Sodium and chloride are both found mainly in our extracellular fluid. As one of the mineral electrolytes, chloride works closely with sodium and water to help distribute of bodily fluids. Along with sodium and potassium, chloride can be lost through heavy perspiration. Deficiencies in chloride can cause metabolic alkalosis, which occurs when bodily fluids become too alkaline. It may also reduce the levels of fluids in our bodies and can cause us to lose potassium through our urine. In contrast, sodium is a positively charged ion found in our blood and fluids. This electrolyte, also known as salt, is like potassium and is very soluble. It is easily absorbed by the stomach and small intestine. The kidneys are primarily responsible for the circulation of sodium and are also capable of reabsorbing or eliminating it in order to maintain proper levels in our blood. Although the relationship electrolytes play in managing our body’s water usage is complicated, the most effective way to avoid losing these key minerals is not. Dehydration can be avoided by simply drinking plenty of water. This is particularly important when you perspire heavily. The general rule of thumb is that the more water you lose the more water you have to consume. During physical activities, our bodies will attempt to conserve water however, it is critical that you replenish roughly the same amount you have lost. Electrolytes are in some degree present in water and there are many sports drinks also available that can rehydrate these important minerals. On average day during normal activity a person can lose almost a gallon of water. We lose a certain amount of water even when we breathe but the two most common ways is through sweat and urine. Keeping a close watch over the amount of water we are losing is the easiest, most efficient way to avoid dehydration. This is especially true during very humid weather or heavy physical exertion. At these times it is important to recognize the symptoms associated with the onset of dehydration and take the necessary actions to avoid any further fluid loss. This can mean reducing your exposure to heat, and limiting and additional physical exercise. Monitoring the frequency and color of your urine can be helpful. Normally if you urine is reasonably colorless or transparent, you are hydrated properly. When your urine becomes darker in color it is recommended that you consume more water to balance your fluid levels. In addition to the color of your urine, be sure to monitor the frequency in which you urinate. If you urinate every 3-5 hours it is not likely that dehydration has begun. If you have not urinated for long periods of time be sure to increase your water intake. Be careful not to consume large amounts of caffeine or alcohol. These can actually increase the likelihood of dehydration. Even though they are both technically considered liquids, they do not satisfy our body’s thirst. This is because alcohol is a diuretic. This means that it increases urination which flushes water from the body. Aside from the toxins alcohol contains, it also reduces electrolytes, like potassium. This can cause thirst, muscle cramps, and dizziness. Dehydration can be very dangerous. Many times it does not become apparent until it is too late. Millions of people around the world have fallen victim to this silent killer. Its victims are not just people in third world countries who do not have access to clean abundant water supplies. Anyone can be stricken down simply because they did not know how to avoid becoming dehydrated. Being completely aware of the symptoms and methods to remedy or all together avoid dehydration is the key.

References

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