Your body needs food in order to survive, but it also needs water. While there is some water available in foods, your body needs more than that to stave off dehydration. Your body requires water to function effectively which results in water loss. To remain healthy, you must replace this water.
When your water intake is not equal to your water loss, you can become dehydrated. Chronic dehydration can affect many parts of your body:
- Your organs, possibly leading to kidney stones
- It can cause cholesterol problems
- Constipation can be a result of dehydration
- It can cause liver, muscle and joint damage
- It can even be a life-threatening condition.
Fluid losses are more likely to occur in:
- Warmer climates and seasons
- During strenuous exercises
- At high altitudes, and
- In older adults or anyone whose sense of thirst is not as keen.
What dehydration does to the body
Dehydration upsets the body’s delicate balance, and can cause the following malfunctions:
- When your body is dehydrated, it is more difficult for it to control its temperature
- Dehydration can lead to a lowering of the volume of blood that is in your circulatory system. This means your heart has to work overtime to get the nutrients and oxygen to your extremities, organs, and brain. Thinking becomes tougher, and fatigue sets in faster
- Dehydration can prevent the body from making enough saliva, which leads to bad breath and cavities
- Dry skin is another side effect of dehydration
- Muscle cramps occur due to changes in your electrolytes, sodium and potassium
- Fever and chills are often the body’s way of signalling a dehydrated condition
- Food cravings are a definite sign of dehydration
- Headaches can also result from dehydration.
The answer to dehydration
Easy and convenient access to safe drinking water encourages people to stay hydrated. Drinking fountains, water cooler dispensers, office water coolers, refillable water bottles, and refillable water bottle stations are all great answers to the dehydration issue. Aquafil Water Refill Stations and Drinking Fountains have a range of products to help keep dehydration at bay. Get in contact now!
