Talk about the problems caused by dehydration with our expert doctor, Dr. Steve Hodal. Learn more about this below
As the rain stops and the temperature increases it becomes easier for things to dry up… including us! Water is our body’s principle chemical component and makes up about 60% of your body weight. Every system in our body depends on water and during the hotter summer months we may need more than usual.
We all know that we should be drinking more water in order to remain hydrated, but how much is enough? As a minimum, an active adult should be drinking at least two litres per day, however, this may increase depending on weight, lifestyle and exercise. However, additional hydration isn’t just important during physical activity. Sitting in the sun on a hot day or humid day, even if you aren’t exercising, can also cause your body to need more fluids.
So… what happens to our bodies if we become dehydrated?
- Toxic overload – water helps our bodies to get rid of waste through sweat and urination so a lack of adequate hydration can lead to increased toxicity. This can cause us to feel generally unwell, as well as increase the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Water is also essential to digest our food and helps prevent Constipation.
- Poor skin – without enough water, our skin loses moisture and will lose its freshness, softness, and smoothness. It will literally start to dry out which can lead to premature ageing and other skin conditions.
- Soft tissue injuries – dehydrated muscles are unhappy, tight and crampy muscles as water helps them to be more elastic and stretch further. Proper hydration also helps keep joints lubricated and without it, injury is much more likely.
- Headaches – many headaches are due simply to dehydration. When you become dehydrated your brain tissue loses water causing your brain to shrink and pull away from the skull. This triggers the pain receptors surrounding the brain, giving you a headache.
- Increased appetite/ weight gain – water is a natural appetite suppressant, raises your metabolism and has zero calories. Often thirst is mistaken for hunger which leads to an increased calorie intake and subsequent weight gain.
- Decreased energy levels – our brain consists of mostly water so being dehydrated can greatly affect how they function. Dehydration also causes the blood volume to drop which in turn lowers the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. This can affect the way you think, focus and concentrate as well as decreasing your level of alertness and coordination. Severe dehydration can also lead to heat stroke and even death, so it is not something to be taken lightly.
Remember, feeling thirsty means you’re already dehydrated so don’t wait until then before you take a sip. However, if you aren’t sure whether you were drinking enough water on a daily basis, then check out the colour of your urine: pale and clear means you’re well hydrated but if it’s dark, you need to drink more water.
Avoid the problems dehydration can bring this summer and keep a sipper bottle on you at all times. If you struggle with the taste, then add a squeeze of lemon for an added liver detox or treat yourself to some sparkling water. Regardless of how you do it make sure that as the temperature increases, so does your water intake.
