I would wager that there are more dehydrated people on this planet than there are hydrated ones at any waking moment. Maintaining hydration is something many of us struggle with, usually because we find it difficult to gulp down an adequate amount of water in a given day, and dehydration isn’t exactly something you’re going to want to actively and consistently achieve. It isn’t healthy, yet so many of us are arguably lacking hydration and are entirely oblivious to the fact.
Dehydration doesn’t simply involve being thirsty, despite what a lot of us might assume. Here is some more information on the topic from mayoclinic.org.
“Dehydration occurs when the body uses or loses more fluid than it takes in. Then the body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to do its usual work. Not replacing lost fluids leads to dehydration.
“Anyone can become dehydrated. But the condition is more serious for infants, children and older adults.
“The most common cause of dehydration in young children is diarrhea and vomiting. Older adults have a lower volume of water in their bodies to begin with. And older adults might have conditions or take medicines, such as water pills, that increase the risk of dehydration.
“Dehydration also can occur in anyone who doesn’t drink enough water during hot weather. It’s more likely in people who are active in the heat.
“Drinking more fluids usually fixes mild to moderate dehydration. But severe dehydration needs medical treatment right away.
“The symptoms of dehydration can differ by age.
“Infant or young child
- Urinating less than usual or no wet diapers for three hours.
- Dry mouth.
- No tears when crying.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Sunken eyes, cheeks or soft spot on top of the skull.
- Lacking energy or being cranky.
- Skin that doesn’t flatten back right away after being pinched.
“Adult
- Extreme thirst.
- Urinating less.
- Dark-colored urine.
- Tiredness.
- Dizziness.
- Being confused.
- Skin that doesn’t flatten back right away after being pinched.
- Sunken eyes or cheeks,” the web page explains.
Try your best to stay hydrated, folks. This summer has been a hot one.
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
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