DEHYDRATION: The Signs and Complications

Our body is made of about 60 percent of water. It is important to take enough of it for our body to continue functioning properly. The main key to help all our organs work efficiently is through hydration. As hydration helps everything run smoothly, dehydration on the other hand – which happens if you take less fluid than you’re losing or taking- can result in various breakdowns in the bodily processes.

An average person should drink about two liters of water daily and more during high temperatures as well as if you are active. Aside from drinking less than the recommended, dehydration can also be caused by vomiting, fever, diarrhea, increased urination, and excessive sweating.

Do really you want to know happens to your body when you reach the point of dehydration?

Here Are The Symptoms and Complications.

You’re At Higher Risk For Heart Attack And Low Blood Volume Shock

Enough water is crucial for proper heart function. If your body is dehydrated your blood vessels become constricted and this makes your blood thicker. This means that your heart has to put an extra effort to pump it through the body. Furthermore, not getting enough fluid can put your body into cardiogenic shock – a life-threatening condition in which the heart fails to pump enough blood into the body. Also, your body’s blood volume may also decrease which can lead to hypovolemic shock.

You Feel Hungry Even When You’re Not

According to Keri Gans, a nutritionist, people often confuse dehydration with hunger. If you’ve already eaten and still not feeling full, try drinking a glass of water to see if your body is really asking for a snack. Research shows that drinking water can help fill you up.

You Feel Tired, Distracted, Confused, And Even Dizzy

Dehydration gives you a hard time focusing and staying alert. It affects both energy levels and cognition. For our body system to function, it just relies on the oxygen delivered by the blood. When the time comes that blood delivery is challenged by dehydration, it will cause sluggishness of not only the body but also the mind as none of our organs will work at the level they should. These will further lead to short-term memory problems, difficulty in focusing as well as mood changes, including anger.

You’re More Likely To Experience A Bladder, Kidney, Or Urinary Tract Infection

Kidneys regulate your body’s water balance as well as flush out the waste from your bloodstream. Together with your liver, they act as your “body’s natural filtration system.” For them to properly work, they need water. Inadequate amount of fluid means that these organs can’t function well and this could lead to bladder and urinary infections. Aside from this, water is also needed to break down salt and mineral deposits accumulated in your kidneys. Without it, painful kidney stones will be the end results of these deposits.

You’re Constipated

A major back up in your digestive system can be the result of an imbalance of fluids. Just like fiber- which pulls out toxins, water is also the primary solution to constipation as toxins can’t exit our system without being flushed out.

Your Skin Gets Irritated

Effects of not getting enough water can easily be seen on your skin. Some of these include dullness, sensitivity, itchiness, flakiness, and tightness. It can also be prone to breakouts and continuous feelings of oiliness and dryness.

In order to prevent this from happening, always make sure to drink two liters of water a day. Obtain the necessary fluids from foods which include vegetables, fruits, soups, as well as drinks that contain water – milk, tea, coffee, and other healthy beverages. However, just make sure to watch your intake of sugar, caffeine, and calories as excessive amounts of these may lead to other complications.