2. Effects of Dehydration
Abstract
Dehydration is taken as excessive loss of body fluid. Generally it is refer as the loss of water
from a person’s body but it usually covers the loss of all sorts of body fluids. Dehydration has
numerous effects on human body. Water is essential to remove toxins and waste materials from
human body. Amount of water intake varies in both sexes as male body needs at least 3 liters of
water per day whereas female body can function well by taking 2.2 liters water per day. Water
serves as an essential component in digestion and absorption of food. It is an important
component in supplying oxygen and nutrients to cells.
3. INTRODUCTION:
Dehydration means that your body do not have sufficient amount of fluids and water as was its
requirement. It could be meek, temperate or excessive based on the amount of fluid that your
body have lost and not recovered. It can be life threatening when it is excessive and can put a
person in emergency situation. Satisfactory amount of liquid intake are essential to maintain
normal body functions. People are also aware regarding the effect of reduced fluid intake in
human body. There has been considerable scientific and public opinion on regarding
recommended amount of water intake through which there have been a policy implemented in
schools and work places.
4. Why is water essential for health maintenance?
Water can be taken as an important constituent of the body. It is important as it is involved in
different functions of human body that includes the transport of oxygen, nutrients and waste
products into and out of cells. Water is essential for all digestion and absorption functions.
Mostly metabolism takes place due to sufficient water intake. The basic life depends on the
quantity of water intake by a person and you may observe that dehydration is not only fatal but it
can also result in a person’s death. Water intake also helps in curing fever as it is a healthy
compound providing body glucose and nutrients.
What are the functions of water in the body?
Water basically functions as an important nutrient in human body. It is basically helping in
maintaining the following functions in human body:
1. It helps in maintaining healthy cells in human body.
2. Keep the blood stream liquid and smooth enough to flow through blood vessels.
3. Helps in extracting by products from the body.
4. Water regulates body temperature through sweat.
5. Keep the mucous moist in lungs and mouth.
6. Oil joints.
7. Keep bladder clear from bacteria.
8. Helps in digestion to prevent constipation.
9. Work as a moisturizer to improve skins surface.
10. Carry important nutrients and oxygen towards cells.
What happens to the body when it does not get the water it needs?
When a person feels that he/she is not getting sufficient amount of water then it would function
adversely as your body mechanism gets a delay in this situation. Food human eat cannot be
digested without water which can result in pain and other negative reactions by converting that
food into poison. Water helps human body in maintaining the body temperature to normal level
so that other body processes can go on undisturbed. It helps in keeping body muscles toned and
solid so its loss would function in negative way causing fatigue and tiredness in human body.
Loss of water can also result in effecting kidney function by producing stones to cause pain.
5. Compare and contrast how different electrolytes ---- sodium, potassium and chloride---
function in the body.
Potassium is basically an electrolyte that works closely with sodium and chlorides. In the human
body over 95% of cells consist of potassium. It helps to maintain the flow of different fluids in
and out of body cells. It helps human body to maintain proper blood pressure, heart and kidneys
functions and maintain nerve impulse and muscular contraction in human body. It is equally
important to change blood sugar into glycogen and here potassium helps to convert it. Potassium
can be obtained through fruits and vegetables, moreover it is also found in meat, poultry and fish.
It is encouraged to take a diet that is supposed to be high in potassium and low in sodium to
enjoy a sound health. Potassium also helps in relaxing body muscles.
Chloride:
Chloride also functions as an essential component to regulate body fluids in and out of human
body. This mineral is a component of the acids in stomach that helps in digestion and absorption
of different nutrients. It also helps in transmitting nerve impulses in human body.
What effects might alcohol and caffeine have on hydration levels in the body?
Alcohol and caffeine function in different ways. As people suffering from dehydration are asked
to omit the use of alcohol as it is easily digestible and consuming it urinate within ten minutes
while losing all the minerals and nutrients from their body. It creates in imbalance in the process
of fluid withholding and excretion. Whereas caffeine results in giving strength to kidney’s
function giving short term energy and mental stability o a person’s mind. Caffeine’s moderate
use can help an individual in coping with problems related to dehydration and water loss from
the body. It’s better to try adding caffeine to your diet rather than alcohol to avoid excessive
mineral loss from your body.
What steps may people take to ensure they do not become dehydrated?
In order to prevent dehydration the easiest way is to drink lots of water. Human body needs
almost 3 liters of water per day to carry on body metabolism and other functions undisturbed.
Moreover people can also add fruits and vegetables that are rich in water so that it can match the
body need and lubricate the different body parts to ensure their smooth function and unhindered
flow of blood to every part of your body.
6. Conclusion:
This shows that water is really an important component in the health of a person. Its proper
intake can help you to live a secure healthy life without any unrest or pain. Now people should
not limit their water intake varying on weather changes as the body needs it in the same
proportion throughout the year. Drink lots of water and enjoy a healthy life.
REFERENCES (3 references)
1: http://www.helpwithcooking.com/nutrition- information/water-nutrition.html
2: http://www.reec.nsw.edu.au/k6/page/wa29.htm
3: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Water_a_vital_nutrient
