Water is absolutely necessary for survival. It makes up approximately 60% of the human body, with every system depending on water to function properly.
Thus, dehydration — or a lack of body water — has widespread repercussions.
While mild dehydration is easily remedied, severe dehydration is a serious condition that can lead to loss of consciousness, organ failure or even death.Dehydration occurs when more fluid is leaving the body than being consumed. Factors that decrease fluid consumption or increase fluid losses can contribute to dehydration.
Water is constantly leaving your body, mostly through sweat, urine and stools. An adequate amount of water must be consumed to make up for this loss.
Vigorous exercise: Intense exercise leads to fluid loss through sweat. If fluids are not replaced by drinking water, you can become dehydrated.
Exposure to heat: Heat can cause you to lose fluid through sweat. You may become dehydrated if you don’t drink extra water when it’s very hot outside.
Vomiting and diarrhea: Vomiting and diarrhea both cause significant fluid loss that can lead to dehydration.
Nausea: Many people don’t feel like eating or drinking when they are nauseated. It’s important to continue drinking water so you don’t become dehydrated.
Burns or skin infections: Water can be lost through severe burns and skin infections.
Diabetes: When blood sugar levels are high, the body increases urine production to eliminate sugar from the body. This can lead to dehydration if this loss is not matched with an increase in water consumption.
Fever: A fever may contribute to fluid loss through sweating.
So all care must be taken to prevent dehydration.
