Dehydration signs and symptoms

July 23, 2010

Dehydration:

Dehydration happens when we excrete more fluids than we take in.  We lose fluids by sweating, urinating, defecating, vomiting.

Most of the time dehydration happens because of diarrhea, vomiting, flu/fever.   It is recommended to drink approximately 8 ounces of fluid before any exercise.   Not drinking water before a workout and after can produce dehydration and also create a headache.

It can happen to anyone at any age, but older adults and individuals with illnesses are more at risk.  Anyone may become dehydrated, but young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk.   Always make sure you drink at least 8 ounces of water per day and if you are athletic or ill, add another 8 ounces or more.

What are the symptoms of Dehydration:

  1. Dry mouth
  2. Fatigue
  3. Thirst
  4. Yellow urine (also decreased frequency of urination)
  5. Decrease in tear production
  6. Weakness of musculature
  7. Headaches
  8. Dizziness/vertigo

For individuals experiencing severe dehydration, these are some of the symptoms: (this can become a medical emergency)

  1. Extreme thirst
  2. Irritability and confusion
  3. Extreme dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
  4. No sweating
  5. Very little urination
  6. Eyes are sunken
  7. Skin that does not bounce back when pinched/pulled lightly
  8. Low blood pressure
  9. Rapid heartbeat
  10. Fever
  11. Delirious behavior
  12. Unconsciousness
  13. In infants, sunken fontanels (baby “soft spot”)

(See a medical doctor if symptoms are severe, if you vomit for more than 8 hours or have severe diarrhea for more than 3 days)

*Always add electrolytes (sodium, potassium and calcium) to water if vomiting or having extreme diarrhea.

Water has zero calories and is essential to human function.  An average adult sweats, breathes and secretes up to 2.5 liters of water a day.  This needs to be replenished in order to transport and absorb nutrients.

In most cases, simply adding fluids and electrolytes will slowly bring energy and nutrients to the surface.  If you body is not responding, then it may be necessary to see a medical doctor for further testing.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in Chiropractor Redwood City, General Health, Redwood City Chiropractor, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

How much water do I drink?

July 13, 2010

I am often asked how much water is enough? Well, that depends on each individual and what their lifestyle is. If you are an athlete, then more water is needed to re-hydrate yourself. If you do not work out, then the amount is lower.

Did you know that water accounts for over 60% of your body weight? Every organ and system in our body relies on water to survive. Lack of water leads to dehydration which can give you headaches and less energy.

Every person loses water when we breathe, perspire, urinate or defecate. We should replenish water frequently so our body can function and move properly.

So, how much water do we need? Most medical journals say 8-9 cups of water per day. This is a very vague rule and does not work for everyone. Lets review some other ideas for water consumption.

  1. Replenish: an average person normally urinates 6.3 cups a day. We also lose about 4 cups per day while breathing, sweating and defecation. Food accounts for about 20% of liquid per day so if you drink a little more than 8 cups a day along with a healthy diet, you can replenish any fluids lost.
  2. The 8×8 Rule: drink 8 ounces of water per day.
  3. Check your urine color: It should be clear or slightly yellow. If it is dark yellow, then this means you need to consume more water.

What factors lead to drinking more water per day?

  • If you exercise add 1.5 to 2.5 cups of water per day. You will notice that you body will crave the additional water anyway after a workout. If you are a marathon runner or exercise excessively, it is recommended to add salt to the water because of the salt lost with sweat.Weather: Hot or humid weather can promote sweat and lose valuable fluid. Heat provided in the winter will dry out the skin and high altitudes (higher than 8,200 feet) can trigger rapid breathing and increased urination. More water should be added to you diet.
  • If you are sick with the flu or have intestinal issues you may vomit, have diarrhea which will rapidly deplete water in the body. You may want to add electrolytes to the water to make sure you have energy after being sick.
  • Breast feeding and Pregnancy: It is recommended to drink about 13 cups of water if you are breast feeding. Babies take a lot of fluid out of your system. If you are pregnant, it is recommended to drink 10 glasses of water per day.

Drink water…it is great for your body and mind!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)