What dehydration does to your body

WATER to the body is like petrol to cars — neither can function effectively without these fuels. Without adequate supply of water to the body it is likely that you will become dehydrated and there are adverse effects should this happen.

According to internist Dr Jomo James, dehydration is a process that occurs when the body loses water at a rate faster than it is replaced. Subsequently, a chemical imbalance occurs in the body, which may vary in severity.

He explained that the body tries to keep its fluid and electrolytes composition at a level that provides optimal health and function, while trying to resist at its best any changes in water levels

Additionally, Dr James said dehydration causes body cells to malfunction and in many instances vital organs are unable to carry out their functions.

The internist explained that the body loses water by excretion with the most common ways being through urine, sweating and bowel actions.

He further explained that the body is a system which thrives on normalcy — which means it tries to remain unchanged — resisting any changes to the body’s water content in an effort to ensure the body is able to function at its optimal health, and efficiently.

According to Dr James, dehydration occurs when there is a decrease in the intake of water over a period of time that can no longer be compensated for by a decrease in urine or when there is an excess loss that cannot be readily replaced by ingestion.

He gave examples of how a person may lose excess water — these include an increase in the number of times a diabetic person urinates, excessive sweating from vigorous exercise or intense heat, intense diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

Dr James further stated that dehydration can affect anyone; however, it is most common among young children and elderly people with chronic diseases.

The internist explained that the severity of dehydration is dependent on the cause and duration of time a person’s body has been coping with it.

According to Dr James, common signs associated with dehydration include:

1. Dry, sticky mouth and skin

2. Extreme thirst

3. Skin does not go down quickly when pinched (especially in children)

4. No urine or not passing it as regular urine or it becomes darker

5. Blackouts

6. Rapid heartbeat

7. Low blood pressure

8. No tears.

Dr James said dehydration is associated with a plethora of serious medical conditions.

“It may lead to a decrease in circulation to vital organs such as the brain, kidney and heart and it also interferes with the function of body cells,” he explained.

Dr James said other complications associated with severe dehydration in the body include circulatory collapse, comas, seizures and brain swelling. He said if medical attention is not sought severe dehydration could result in death.

In cases of mild dehydration, Dr James said people can use coconut water, Gatorade, and for children Pedialyte and rehydration salts for treatment at home.

“In cases where a patient presents a case of severe diarrhoea, replacement fluids by way of intravenous route — ‘drip’ and the underlying cause of the dehydration would be treated,” he said.

He encouraged people to drink an average of six to eight glasses of water daily in a bid to prevent dehydration and to ensure optimal health.