Why Hydration Matters for Your Body
Hydration supports vital functions like regulating temperature, lubricating joints, aiding digestion, and preventing fatigue, headaches, or poor concentration. Dehydration can affect nearly every system in the body.
The Importance of Hydration for Health and Wellbeing
Here is some advice on staying hydrated and healthy this summer and recognising the warning signs of dehydration in yourself and others.
With summer on the horizon, it's natural to daydream about picnics in the park and backyard barbecues. However, do you pay close attention to your hydration levels, and are you aware of the signs and symptoms of dehydration when they occur?
Key Health Benefits of Staying Properly Hydrated
Our bodies require water for a variety of vital functions. Water carries nutrients to cells and wastes away from them, cushioning and lubricating the brain, joints, and rest of the body. Additionally, it aids in regulating the body's temperature via perspiration.
As a result, dehydration, which occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, can affect nearly every organ and system.
Concentration can be impaired even in mild dehydration. Constipation, headaches, and extreme fatigue are all possible side effects. Due to a lack of water, the skin can become dry, dull, and itchy. Indeed, there is some evidence that it can affect the quality of our sleep.
How Much Water You Should Drink Each Day
The answer is complex and varies according to various factors – from your age to the weather to your specific health conditions – and the advice is inconsistent. In 2004, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine Institute of Medicine recommended that men consume approximately 3.7 litres, women consume approximately 2.7 litres, while the National Health Service's Eatwell Guide recommends drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
Do Tea, Coffee, and Juices Count for Hydration
Most people require approximately 3 litres of fluid daily, but there are no hard and fast rules for achieving this.
Passing through the water we weigh and carry is not always necessary. Water is also obtained from the food we consume and other fluids such as juices, tea, and coffee. It is also recommended that you monitor your caffeine intake. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, causing the kidneys to excrete more urine than they should.
How Your Body Maintains Fluid Balance
The body has a complicated system for maintaining a healthy fluid balance.
It monitors the osmolality or the concentration of sodium and potassium in bodily fluids. When the concentration falls too low, an antidiuretic hormone (ADH) must be released. This tells the kidneys to conserve water by reducing urination and tells the brain to stimulate thirst to get us to drink. Similarly, when the concentration becomes excessive, the kidneys initiate urine production.
Our healthy kidneys will handle most of the adjusting required to keep our bodies hydrated. All that is required for kidney function in a healthy individual is drinking a reasonable amount of fluid – not so little that you are thirsty, but not so much that you are constantly urinating.
Can You Be Overhydrated or Drink Too Much Water
Too much alcohol can be drunk, but it's usually not a severe problem if you are otherwise healthy. In most cases, overhydration will lead to more trips to the bathroom.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration
The best general rule-of-thumb symptom to look for in daily life is thirst.
Signs and Symptoms of Mild to Moderate Dehydration:
• Dark urine
• Headache
• Feeling Lightheaded
• Urinating less often
• Dry or Sticky mouth
Signs and Symptoms of Severe Dehydration:
• Delirium
• Dehydrated tongue that feels dry and sticky
• Meagre urinary output
• Extreme thirst
• Sunken eyes
• Dry skin
Key Symptoms of Dehydration and What They Indicate
| Symptom | What It Suggests | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dark yellow urine | Mild dehydration | Drink water regularly |
| Headache or dizziness | Low fluid levels affecting brain function | Rehydrate slowly |
| Fatigue or weakness | Reduced blood flow and energy | Rest and drink fluids |
| Dry mouth or lips | Dehydrated mucous membranes | Sip water frequently |
| Sunken eyes, fast heartbeat | Severe dehydration | Seek urgent medical care |
Dehydration Symptoms in Babies and Children
Mild dehydration can be more challenging to detect in children and babies than in adults because they do not exhibit mild dehydration symptoms. When they are moderately dehydrated, the following symptoms may occur:
When Babies and Children are moderately dehydrated, the following symptoms may occur:
• Urinate less than usual
• Have sunken eyes
• Breathe very quickly
• Have a high heart rate
• Be listless or irritable
Dehydrated babies may also develop a sunken fontanelle, a soft spot at the front of the head.
Who Is Most at Risk of Dehydration
Various factors, including our lifestyle and environment, can affect our risk of dehydration.
When exercising or when the weather is hot and dry, individuals should ensure they replenish any fluids lost through sweating.
When we are ill, we can lose more fluid than we should through our skin, lungs, and gut due to symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Chronic health conditions, such as heart or kidney disease, can affect how our bodies regulate fluid balance. As a result, individuals may become more susceptible to dehydration.
How Alcohol and Caffeine Cause Dehydration
Many people experience a strong desire for water the following morning after consuming alcoholic beverages. Alcohol, like caffeinated beverages, inhibits the release of ADH, the hormone that signals the kidneys to conserve water stores.
When we have less ADH, we lose more water through our urine. 'If you drink espressos during the day and martinis at night, you cannot avoid dehydration.
Long-Term Effects and Risks of Dehydration
Rehydration is possible following mild to moderate dehydration. There are no long-term ramifications.
On the other hand, chronic or long-term dehydration can increase the risk of infection. This is especially true for urinary tract infections. If left untreated, severe dehydration can result in kidney damage and even failure.
When to Seek Medical Help for Dehydration
Severe dehydration can be fatal. Reduced responsiveness, sunken eyes, a rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing are all indicators to watch for in yourself or others.
On the other hand, mild to moderate dehydration is usually not a cause for concern. Increased fluid intake will alleviate symptoms, and your body will continue to work to maintain balanced fluid levels as a result of your actions.
How Mobi Doctor Can Help with Dehydration
With Mobi Doctor, you can access online urgent care. Get an instant diagnosis, explore conditions and treatments, and text a healthcare professional if needed.
