Page 28 - Seniors Today - August 21 Issue
P. 28
Health
A Fluid Situation
Dr Nandini Saini writes about understanding dehydration and preventing it.
Water is one of the most important Causes
components of the body. The human body Normal body functions
is composed of about 75% water; our Regular body functions like perspiring,
skin, organs, even bones have water as a urination and defecation cause water
component. Water balance is maintained depletion in the body. Minor functions like
in the body by various mechanisms, and salivation and crying also cause the body
we replenish water by drinking more, to lose water. Our body can easily replace
whenever our body sends a signal (thirst). this loss with the water we drink. However,
Dehydration is a condition where the fluid certain conditions can cause these regular
output from the body is more than the functions to lose excessive water, causing
intake, which means you’re losing more dehydration.
fluids and water than you’re drinking. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can
The body ceases to function normally and cause you to lose water as well as salt and
begins to show signs and symptoms which electrolytes.
should tell you that you’re dehydrated. Frequent urination can also result in loss
When you lose fluid, you also lose a little of fluids and electrolytes from the body,
salt and electrolytes, which would also need causing dehydration.
to be replaced.
Infants and young children are most at Outdoor activities
risk of dehydration. However, certain Exposure to sun or a high temperature
conditions and circumstances can cause for an extended period of time can cause
water depletion in adults too. dehydration. Athletes, swimmers and
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