Dehydration and its detrimental consequences

75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated according to (Tamlin). Dehydration often shows up as thirst, headaches, dizziness, weakness and fatigue as reported by (European Hydration Institute). Did you identify yourself with any of the above? Then it is highly likely that you are dehydrated as well.

But what are the reasons behind this dehydration pandemic we are all facing? One of the most common reasons behind this poor water consumption is that it only takes us a 2% loss of water volume for your body to enter a dehydrated state as reported by (Khatri). It is very normal for our bodies to lose fluids by sweating, breathing, peeing, pooping, even tears and saliva. However, just like a simple equation, if the output is higher than the input, so, if your body loses more fluids than one gives it, one can get dehydrated.

The British Nutrition foundation states that the reason we are facing a global increase in dehydration is aligned with the increased soda consumption. We often think that anything we ingest that contains a lot of fluids hydrates us.

Dehydrating drinks causing diuretic effects

We are very wrong, the Insider, (Conley), states that beverages like coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks and alcohol cause your body to actually lose fluids. All of these drinks are what we call diuretic, which makes your body to lose more fluids by making you go to the bathroom more frequently. Research has shown that diuretic effects cause heavier symptoms of dehydration. You might ask yourself but isn’t my healthy smoothie contributing with my fluid intake? How can this have diuretic effects? Well, your favorite smoothie along with other sugary drinks make it harder for your body to absorb the water it needs.

So, the solution is simple, we need to just drink more water.

Dehydration is seen in all ages, and symptoms may vary depending on your age.

What are the consequences for children between the ages of 1 to 10? Dehydrated children can experience a decreased visual attention and underperformance in their motor skills. If the child practices any sport it can result in a decrease in underperformance by at least 5%. It is important for parents and guardians to ensure that their children are hydrated considering the fact that the human body’s thirst mechanism is underdeveloped at a young age.

What are the consequences for adults? Dehydration often shows up in adults with symptoms like nausea, headaches, exhaustion, dizziness and obesity. Also, most adults in a mild dehydrated state are 114% more likely to commit a mistake then hydrated adults. This 114% can be compared to a similar situation where adults have low levels of alcohol in their system. Regardless, adults get through their days in a dehydrated state.

What are the consequences for the elderly? As the human body ages, the consequences of dehydration become more detrimental. Older people are therefore the most vulnerable group to dehydration. Dehydration amongst the elderly can often cause a decrease in reaction times, memory problems seen as confusion and poor concentration. Also, they will have a greater risk of developing a urinary tract infection and becoming constipated.

Let's be smart and avoid all these risks by simply staying hydrated! And if you experience trouble doing so, a hydration reminder is highly recommended, the Ulla is friendly to all ages.

References:

Conley, M. (2018, October 18). 3 kinds of drinks that dehydrate . Retrieved from Insider: https://www.insider.com/drinks-that-cause-dehydration-2018-10

European Hydration Institute. (n.a., n.a. n.a.). Consequences of dehydration. Retrieved from European Hydration Institute: https://www.europeanhydrationinstitute.org/consequences_of_dehydration/#:~:text=Mild%20dehydration%20can%20cause%20symptoms,and%20lack%20of%20skin%20elasticity.

Khatri, M. (2019, May 30). What is dehydration? Retrieved from webmd: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dehydration-adults

Tamlin, S. (2016, April 1). Human Hydration. Retrieved from waterlogic: https://www.waterlogic.com/en-us/resources/human-hydration-are-we-drinking-enough/#:~:text=Dehydration%20in%20Adults,-EVEN%20AS%20WE&text=In%20the%20USA%2075%25%20of,cups%20a%20day%20on%20average.