Dehydration

SAFETY TIP:  DEHYDRATION

Did you know that our bodies are made up of more than 60 percent water; and losing as little as 10 percent of our body fluid can result in an illness known as dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when we lose more water and electrolytes than we replace and our bodies don’t have enough of what it needs to carry out its normal functions.

A 20 percent loss of bodily fluid may lead to death due to kidney failure.

Each day we lose roughly 10 cups of water simply through sweating, breathing and eliminating waste.

We also lose electrolytes which are made up of minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium that maintain the balance of fluids in your body.

The cause of dehydration varies and include

·         Excessive sweating

·         Severe heat stroke

·         Diarrhea and vomiting

·         Diabetic complications

·         Certain medications

·         Complications from some types of surgery

Did you know that roughly 318 Americans die every year of heat-related illnesses, according to the Center for Diseases Control, and many more are hospitalized?

Most of these deaths and illnesses could have been prevented if the victims understood the risks associated with dehydration and heat-related illness.

How can you prevent falling victim to dehydration?

Under normal circumstances an adult should consume about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to replace fluid lost through normal body processes such as digestion and absorption of nutrients.  Items such as juice, frozen fruit bars, and soup count as part of your fluid intake, however, try to avoid alcohol and drinks containing caffeine, as these fluids act as a diuretic and can cause fluid loss.

Solid foods also provide a surprising amount of water. For example (number in parentheses is the percentage of water by weight):

·         Lettuce                                 95%

·         Watermelon                         91%

·         Broccoli                                89%

·         Grapefruit                            89%

·         Carrot                                   88%

·         Apple                                    86%

·         Yogurt                                   85%

·         Rice, cooked                          70%

·         Cheddar cheese                    37%

The range of symptoms from dehydration includes

·         A rapid drop in weight

·         Dry lips and tongue

·         Decreased urine output and the urine will appear darker

·         Weakness or light headed

·         Dry looking skin with loss of skin elasticity

·         Abnormally fast breathing and heart rate

·         Sunken eyes

·         Thirst

·         Cramps

·         Lack of sweating in heat

Keep in mind that by the time we become thirsty, dehydration may have already set in.

Many elderly do not take in enough fluids regularly, and with increased heat are very prone to dehydration.

Remember to stay well hydrated.