Dehydration

Amy Funderburg

November 30, 2010

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Bodor
 Water is one of the nutrients that we need to survive. Water is essential to the proper

functioning of the human body. Since almost 60 percent of the human’s body weight is made of

water a person cannot live very long without consuming water. In fact according to the textbook

“without food, you could probably survive for about 8 weeks, but without water, you would last

only a few days” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, pg. 285). One of the reasons that a person cannot

last for more than a couple of days without water is because water is not stored for long periods

of time by the body and needs to be replenished. So this means that it is necessary for a person to

consume water regularly throughout the day. Water moves freely from the blood to cells and

other spaces by a processed called osmosis. “Water is held in cells and other body compartments

by the proteins, sodium, potassium, and other small molecules that are dissolved in your body

water” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, pg. 282).

Water Functions in the Body

Water has many functions in the body. Some of the more obvious functions of water in the

body can be found in the function of tears, which is produced with water. Tears help to keep your

eyes from drying out and cleanse them by washing away small particles that may enter the eye,

like dirt. Water is also used to lubricate the joints located inside the body and protects these areas

from any kind of shock and pressure that may result from injury to these areas. Water is also

used in the body to produce saliva which helps to break down found so that it will be able to go

through the digestion process quicker. Water is also produced in a pregnant women’s body to

protect the unborn baby from harm by surrounding the baby in a water filled amniotic sac located

around the unborn baby. Another function that water provides is that it used in blood, in fact

blood is mostly water.

 Water is also essential in the chemical reactions that occur in the body, this is because “water

is an excellent solvent; glucose, amino acids, minerals, and many of the substances needed by

body cells dissolve in water”( Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, pg. 283). Many types of chemical

reactions occur inside water. Water also performs the function of regulating and maintaining

body temperatures. “The water in blood helps regulate body temperature by increasing or

decreasing the amount of heat lost at the surface of the body” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, pg.

283). This is the job for the water that is found in the blood that runs through the blood vessels in

the skin.

Water Regulation and Electrolytes

The body regulates the amount of water that is absorbed and released. Electrolytes “help

regulate fluid balance and are important for maintain acid-balance throughout the body”

(Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, pg. 287). Electrolytes are essential to keep the body functioning

properly and aids in the “transmission of nerve impulses and the contraction of muscles”

(Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, pg. 287). The key electrolytes that can be found in the human body

are sodium, potassium, and chloride.

Sodium is a positive charged electrolyte that is located in the body water outside of cells, it is

known as an extracellular ion. Sodium helps to regulate the water in the body. Sodium is also

responsible for sending nerve impulses that aid in major body functions, such as muscle

contractions. Potassium is also positive charged electrolyte, but unlike sodium that is located in

the body water outside of cells, potassium can be found in the water inside of cells. Potassium is

known as an intracellular ion. Potassium, like sodium, also helps to regulate the water in the

body and is also responsible for sending nerve impulses that aid in major body functions, such as

muscle contractions. Sodium and potassium work together to create these nerve impulses.
“Nerve impulses are created by the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the nerve

cell membrane” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, pg. 287).

Kidneys are responsible for the regulation of electrolytes in the body. Since it is necessary for

there to be a balance between sodium and potassium the kidneys control the amount of sodium

and potassium in the body by releasing the excess in urine. To regulate the amount of water that

is lost in urine the kidneys depend upon the hormone called Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH). ADH

sends messages to the kidneys telling them how much water needs to be kept so only the excess

amount of water is released as urine.

There are times that this process is interrupted, for example “alcohol inhibits the activity of

ADH, increasing water loss” (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, pg. 284). Like alcohol, caffeine effects

the hydration of the body because caffeine acts like a diuretic. Caffeinated drinks should not be

used to replenish body fluids. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks should be used in moderation to

prevent dehydration from occurring.

Dehydration

When the body does not get the water it needs it is known as dehydration. Dehydration

happens when there is an “excessive loss of water resulting in the depletion of body fluids”

(Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, pg. 282). Dehydration can occur quickly under the right set of

circumstances. Dehydration can be fatal if the body is not hydrated. Most of the time the body

can regulate the amount of water that is lost from the body. However there are some water losses

that cannot be regulated especially when water is not replenished to make up for the loss.

There are many cause of dehydration some of these causes include diarrhea, vomiting, fever,

and sweating, especially while exercising or being in hot climates. When a person begins to

became dehydrated the body displays the symptoms of dehydration. Some of these symptoms
include “thirst, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, dry eyes and mouth, and discolored urine”

(Grosvenor & Smolin, 2006, pg. 285). If these early symptoms are ignored and dehydration

worsens, symptoms will worsen also and include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps,

lightheadedness, heart palpitations, confusion, weakness, and disorientation.

Dehydration Prevention

It is important that dehydration be prevented. There are several things that a person can do to

ensure that they do not become dehydrated. First, water should be consumed regularly

throughout the day to replenish lost water. On hot days a person should drink more water and if

possible try to avoid strenuous activity. However if it is necessary to partake in activities during

hot weather you should drink plenty of water before, during and after participation. The same is

true for exercising despite the water. Since electrolytes play a big role in the body’s water

regulation it is suggested that sodium intake should be reduced and potassium intake should be

increased. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks should be used in moderation to prevent dehydration

from occurring.
 Reference

Grosvenor, M. B., & Smolin, L. A. (2006). Nutrition: Everyday choices. Hoboken, New Jersey:

John Wiley & Sons.