August 18, 2003 Hello! "When someone gets dehydrated, it means the amount of water
in his body has dropped below the proper level (our bodies are about
two-thirds water). Small decreases don't cause problems, and in
most cases, they go Summer heat, sports, and
illness can all lead to dehydration, but that's not all... "Dieting can sap your
reserves of water as well because you're changing the balance of
what you eat and drink. Beware of diets that emphasize shedding
'water weight' as a quick way to lose weight." "Most of the time,
dehydration doesn't reach the danger level. 'While it's still mild,
your body detects dehydration and leads you to behaviors that correct
the problem,' Dr. Shmerling says. 'Either you get thirsty and replenish
lost fluids (by drinking water) or you reduce fluid loss (by cooling
off and resting).' However, mild dehydration can become more severe
if fluid isn't restored. As you lose more water from your body,
you may experience symptoms such as dry mouth, flushed skin, fatigue,
headache and impaired physical performance. With severe dehydration
you may not feel thirsty. Our bodies can let us know
when they are beginning to detect a problem, but we are responsible
for listening to them, doing something when we notice a possible
problem, and being aware of the need so that action can be taken
before there is a problem. "Water is an essential
nutrient required for life. To be well hydrated, the average sedentary
adult man must consume at least 2,900 mL (12 c) fluid per day, and
the average sedentary adult woman at least 2,200 mL (9 c) fluid
per day, in the form of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages,
soups, and foods. Solid foods contribute approximately 1,000 mL
(4 c) water, with an additional 250 mL (1 c) coming from the water
of oxidation. The Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys indicate that
a portion of the population may be chronically mildly dehydrated.
Several factors may increase the likelihood of chronic, mild dehydration,
including a poor thirst mechanism, dissatisfaction with the taste
of water, common consumption of the natural diuretics caffeine and
alcohol, participation in exercise, and environmental conditions.
Dehydration of as little as 2% loss of body weight results in impaired
physiological and performance responses." We all want to be able
to function at our best. While we may not always treat our bodies
as well as we could, one thing we can do is keep them hydrated.
Questions of the Week: Please email me with any ideas or suggestions. I look forward to reading what you have to say. Cindy |
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