Dehydrated???

So many people THINK they are consuming enough water… or have many excuses as to why they are shorting their water consumption. The following explains what can cause dehydration, what signs to look for, and how to insure you are getting enough water ~ EVERY DAY!

There are many reasons why you may become dehydrated, which is the loss of too much body fluid. Well, what is “too much” loss? It’s called dehydration! In fact, dehydration may become serious if left untreated and it can also sneak up on you over a course of days if you are in one or more of the following conditions:

• High altitude
• Hot summer days or desert conditions
• Busy and forget to drink enough water
• Drinking diuretics beverages such as: coffee, soda, or energy drinks
• Exercising

Dehydration Symptoms may include:

The following are possible mild or severe symptoms of dehydration and may begin to appear before total dehydration takes place:

• sleepiness
• dry mouth and increased thirst
• decreased urination and less tear production
• dry skin
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• headaches
• and/or constipation

For more in-depth detail on dehydration and water consumption, go to Pages 130 -132 in Intestinal Health book www.intestinalhealthbook.com

Some of the contributing factors to dehydration are:

• Not drinking enough water (first and foremost).
• Not feeling thirsty and therefore not drinking sufficient quantities.
• Not drinking enough to compensate for heat, altitude, or exercise.
• Repeated diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, or exercise without replenishing fluids.
• Increased urination due to diabetes, diuretics, or even some blood pressure medications.
• Having physical limitations that make it hard to drink or hold a glass.
• Choosing not to drink because of an inability to control your bladder, such as incontinence.
• Weakened kidneys, diabetes, or heart disease.
• Taking medications to increase urine output, such as diuretics.
• Being a young child, especially with diarrhea.
• Being an older adult, particularly one who is less able to adjust to temperature changes, may be suffering from chronic illness or dementia. May be taking certain medications or unable to take adequate care of him or herself.
• Living, working, or exercising at high altitudes, which may cause increased breathing in order to maintain blood oxygen levels. This may result in exhaling more water vapor.
• Working or exercising in hot weather, which may cause the body to produce more sweat in order to cool the body which, in turn, may result in increased water loss.
• Or, being an endurance athlete, especially in extreme weather conditions!

How to ensure you get adequate hydration:

• Measure your daily water intake
• Increase water intake for high altitude, hot days, exercise, or caffeinated beverages.

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