The benefits of water are endless. Today, we will be discussing how avoiding dehydration is dire to your digestive system and overall health. Plus, we will share tips on how to get enough water in each day.
What is dehydration:
According to Medical News Today, there is not a universally agreed amount of water that should be consumed daily. Dehydration is the cause of many ailments. Adult human bodies are sixty percent water. Our blood is ninety percent water.
As common knowledge as this is, it is common to be dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when the body loses or uses more water than taken in. Most adults and children drink other liquids besides water. Foods and drinks can contribute to dehydration.
Causes of dehydration:
For example, coffee fights against the water you drink. Here is a good rule of thumb. Drink one glass of water per cup of coffee. For the most part, this will keep you on track for your daily water intake.
Similarly, alcoholic beverages heavily dehydrate the body. Alcohol is a diuretic which means it causes the body to urinate more often. According to Dr. Robert Smith and Dr. Dena Davidson, the urge to urinate frequently is caused by a lack of ADH.
Alcohol stops the release of the antidiuretic hormone, or ADH. The body cannot absorb water if it does not release the antidiuretic hormone. In turn, the body rids itself of the water by urinating, but it should be retaining it.
Noticing the signs of dehydration:
Dehydration is especially dangerous for children and the elderly. Certain medications may increase the risk of dehydration. Take preventative measures and carefully discuss side effects of your medication with your gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida.
Because of daycare and school, children may get sick more often than adults. In addition, children may not have the best hygiene practices. According to the Mayo Clinic, diarrhea and vomiting is the most common cause of dehydration in children. Monitor your child’s water consumption especially while they are ill, active, or in hot weather.
Moderate dehydration may feel fixed with drinking more water. However, severe dehydration requires medical attention. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are lethargic or feel different.
In adults, it is common to get wrapped up in a busy day. Adults may not recognize they are thirsty. We may only notice the symptoms of dehydration once they are more serious.
Signs of dehydration in infants or young children:
Pay attention to whether a baby’s mouth or tongue is dry. A child may be dehydrated if they are crying but there are no tears. A huge red flag is no wet diapers for three hours.
Of course, if a child has sunken eyes or cheeks, this is a sign of dehydration. Another sign is if the soft spot on the top of the child’s head is sunken in. Also, if a child is irritable or seems unlike their usual behavior, they may be dehydrated.
Signs for adults:
You may realize you have not visited the bathroom, the toilet, washroom or the loo in the passed few hours. This is a sure sign that you are not drinking a sufficient amount of water. So if you did not realize you are thirsty, this is a sure sign of dehydration.
Dark urine is a sign of dehydration or other body issues. Drink more water and check again. Call or visit a doctor if the color does not lighten towards a clearer liquid.
Keep in mind, urine is usually darker in the morning. First thing in the morning, drink a large glass of water to rehydrate and get the body functioning properly for the day. This also boosts energy and alertness without caffeine.
When to visit a doctor:
Lastly, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue are signs of dehydration or other issues. After drinking a few glasses of water, if these symptoms do not resolve, visit a doctor. If you or a loved one has has diarrhea for more than twenty-four hours or seemed sleepy, take them to a doctor.
Adults having bloody stool, cannot keep down water, or seem less active, take them to a doctor. These are all signs of dehydration which should be addressed.
Next week, we will discuss why dehydration is threatening to the digestive system and other bodily functions. Stay tuned for more news. Thank you for stopping by!
Staff Writer