Water is essential for our body. It is needed by every cell in the body to function properly and is vital for our bodies to process the toxins we all breathe in and eat every day. Adequate daily fluid intake is one of the most important prerequisites for well-being andHealth in general. But you may be wondering, what are the consequences of dehydration? What happens to the body when it doesn't get enough water? You will find out in the article!
Lack of fluids has consequences for the brain
When your body becomes dehydrated, your cells send a signal to your brain telling you that you are thirsty. But dehydration also affects your brain in more surprising ways.
Although the mechanism is not yet completely clear, dehydration is associated with a decrease in mood and cognitive performance. A June 2013 review in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" found that levels of dehydration as low as 2 percent are enough to impair performance on tasks requiring attention, psychomotor skills and immediate memory.
Dehydration can also cause problems in the brain if electrolyte levels are too low. Electrolytes are minerals such as potassium and sodium that are involved in signal transport between cells. When your electrolyte levels are too low, there can be a breakdown or disruption in these signals, leading toMuscle twitching in various parts of the bodyand can even cause seizures.
Lack of fluids has consequences for the kidneys and urinary system
When you are dehydrated, your cells send a signal to your hypothalamus, which releases a hormone called vasopressin, known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This hormone stimulates the kidneys to retain fluid so that the body loses as little water as possible. This results in darker, more concentrated urine.
The kidneys are the main filter for your blood, and without adequate fluids, they cannot remove toxins from the bloodstream and excrete them in the urine. Our kidneys clean around 209 liters of fluid from the blood every day.
When you're constantly dehydrated over a long period of time, your kidneys have to work extra hard. This can lead to a condition called acute kidney injury (AKI), a type of kidney injury that puts you at higher risk of kidney disease.
Dehydration can be a major factor in the formation of kidney stones. People who live in warm, dry climates and people who sweat a lot may be at higher risk than others.
Lack of fluids has consequences for your blood
Your body needs fluid to make blood, and when your fluid levels go down, your blood volume goes down too. The bloodstream needs sufficient fluid in the body to maintain adequate blood pressure. Lack of fluids can lead to low blood pressure (hypotension) and cause dizziness or fainting.
In extreme cases, this can lead to an emergency condition called hypovolemic shock. It is caused by a reduction in the amount of circulating blood, which leads to a sharp drop in blood pressure and the amount of oxygen in the blood. The heart is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body, which can lead to organ failure.
When the blood becomes thicker, the body increases the heart and breathing rate to compensate, causing theEssentially putting the body into a state of stress. Then symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, eye strain and reduced sleep quality occur because the brain is in a fight-or-flight state.
Effects on your digestive system
Your intestines need adequate fluid intaketo function properly. Water is needed for optimal gastrointestinal motility (the movement of waste through your digestive system) and gut health. Without regular fluid intake, stools may become hard and difficult to pass. Dehydration can also damage the intestinal lining and your microbiome, which are important for both your digestion and your overall health.
Effects of lack of fluids on the skin
Although you may not realize it, the skin is actually the largest organ of your immune system. The skin acts as a natural barrier between the body and the environment. But inadequate fluid intake can lead to chapped lips and dry skin. If the skin's natural protective covering is damaged, pathogens can penetrate and trigger inflammation. That's why: hydrated skin is healthy skin.
How much water to drink a day is healthy?
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, an adult needs between 2 and 3 liters of fluid per day: 2.7 liters for women and 3.6 liters of water for men. An average person covers around 20 percent of their water needs through food, meaning women should drink around 2 liters per day and men 3 liters.
Young children and older adults have lower water levels and are at higher risk for dehydration, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The recommended fluid intake for seniors is 1.7 liters per day.
How much water should children drink a day?
Boys and girls ages 4 to 8 need 1.1 to 1.3 liters per day
Girls ages 9 to 13 need 1.3 to 1.5 liters per day.
Boys ages 9 to 13 need 1.5 to 1.7 liters per day.
