Experts recommend a fluid intake of at least two liters per day. But why is water so important for the human body? Here you can find out why a dehydrated body is dangerous and what you can do if you have an acute water shortage.
Dehydration – what is it?
From a medical point of view, dehydration is the process by which your body loses water . It is the decrease in the amount of fluid that is continuously in your body. Severe dehydration can theoretically cause dehydration . If the intake of fluids is too low or too much fluid is lost, the body fluid decreases over time.
Types of dehydration
Dehydration is not just dehydration – there are different types that differ in the proportions between body water and sodium. Below are the three forms.
Isotonic dehydration
If water and sodium are absent in equal measure, it is isotonic dehydration .
Hypotonic dehydration
In hypotonic dehydration, there is too little sodium in relation to the water in the body. Thus, the sodium deficiency predominates .
Hypertonic dehydration
Hypertonic dehydration has an excessive amount of sodium compared to water. The sodium concentration is increased in severe dehydration .
Common symptoms and first signs
Dehydration is a loss of fluid. But of course you don’t immediately see that your body is lacking fluid. However, various symptoms and signs shape the path from low fluid intake to dehydrated body. Dehydration only becomes life-threatening when the fluid in the body only accounts for 20% of the normal water balance.
In most cases there is therefore enough time to counteract the lack of fluids. The following symptoms will help you do this:
- dizziness
- yellow urine
- fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- constipation
- a headache
That’s how important water is to you
What do water and food have in common? Both are essential for human survival. Before people starve to death, they have long died of thirst. Adequate intake of fluids is essential for a healthy life. For this reason, you should drink at least two liters of water a day to prevent the dangers. After all, vital water is required for various functions in your body. Here you get an overview of the functions:
- transport
- cooling
- Reactions
- Cell formation
Causes of Dehydration
There are many causes of dehydration. The inadequate drinking amount is obvious. If you hardly drink water and sweat a lot at high temperatures, there is a deficit in your water balance. Your body is losing fluids and minerals – if you don’t compensate for the loss, dehydration threatens. There are also other causes that are typical of dehydration:
- Vomit
- Burns
- sunburn
- Disturbance of the water balance
- Diuretic drugs
- diarrhea
Visit to the doctor: when is it necessary?
In most cases, you can get your water balance back under control with our tips against dehydration . Since dehydration can be life-threatening in the worst case , you should seek medical help in case of doubt. In the case of dehydration and severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or fever , a visit to the doctor is inevitable. After an initial diagnosis, this can counteract the dehydration with infusions and the like.
That’s why you should pay attention to your water balance
Water performs numerous functions in your body. There are good reasons to drink enough water and prevent dehydration. In addition, we will show you three reasons why you should drink more than 2 liters of water throughout the day.
fatigue
Water is energy – by doing without water you are foregoing the most important source of energy. Fatigue is the result – so you should drink water early in the morning to start the day full of vigor and avoid dehydration.
Weight gain
When the human body does not get enough fluids, it goes into a state of rest. Your body spares itself and the metabolism slows down. Consequently, the excessive intake of food cause you gain weight weight. Many people misunderstand thirst and resort to other foods. With enough water a day you will be full faster and can thus reduce your appetite. It’s best to drink one or two large glasses of water before each meal.
high blood pressure
Poor fluid levels can cause your blood to thicken. This increases the resistance in your arteries, causing your blood pressure to rise . Long-term high blood pressure can cause cardiovascular disease.
Tips against dehydration
In order to have a balanced water balance in your body at all times, you should drink enough fluids. A good pointer is your urine – it should be light at best. Once the urine is dark yellow , your body is lacking water.
How Much Water Should I Drink Each Day?
The Nutrition Society recommends at least 1.5 liters of water per day for adults . Athletes in particular should drink more fluids when in doubt. This is about 2-3 liters per day. When in doubt, drink more water to avoid dehydration. Because it is relatively difficult to drink so much water that your body is overwhelmed. Spread over a day there are up to 10 liters that the body can process without any problems.
Increased need for fluids
Basically, we have clarified the question of how much fluids you should consume per day. Nevertheless, there are some groups of people with a high need for water – you should adjust your guideline value upwards if necessary. If you belong to the following groups of people , you should reach for a glass of water more often when in doubt to avoid dehydration:
- Diarrheal sufferers
- People with increased body temperature
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding
- athlete
Drinking water: does it help you lose weight?
If you drink a lot of water, you can lose weight more easily. After all, water is a source of energy and can motivate you to exercise. You will also feel full more quickly if you prevent your body from becoming dehydrated.
Bottom line: drink water and get dehydrated
- Dehydration describes the condition when the fluid in the body slowly decreases.
- Symptoms of dehydration include yellow urine, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache.
- Poor fluid balance can cause high blood pressure, fatigue, or weight gain.
- Adults should drink at least 1.5 liters per day. Two to three liters of fluids per day are better.
- Groups of people such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women or athletes have an increased need for fluids.
- Those who drink enough water effectively lose weight. After all, you feel full more quickly and your body has more energy.
