Dehydration: Significant effects on the brain and body
The human body is made up of around 75% water.
Unfortunately, without this water, it cannot function normally.
Staying properly hydrated is as essential for those who work in front of a computer as it is for marathon runners.
Dehydration happens when you lose more water than you absorb.
Even at low levels, water deficiency can cause major disruption to our bodies.
What is dehydration?
Being dehydrated means that the body's water content is decreasing.
Our bodies lose water by sweating, urinating and defecating.
Vomiting and diarrhea can cause significant water loss.
Dehydration occurs when water is not replaced quickly enough to compensate for the loss.
The body's natural response to insufficient hydration is thirst.
To respond immediately to thirst, you need to drink enough fluids, preferably water.
Don't forget to drink water even if you're not thirsty, as water contains no calories.
This is particularly important during the summer, when you need to be on your guard against dehydration.
A lack of water in the body, particularly in the cells and blood vessels, can lead to a variety of symptoms, from a simple headache to potentially fatal illnesses.
Our bodies are so complex that it's vital to adopt a holistic approach to maximize our wellbeing.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is a simple but essential part of optimal physical, emotional and mental health.
You need to drink eight 30cl glasses of water a day, or around two liters, to avoid dehydration.
Good hydration is particularly important for the elderly, children, alcoholics and people suffering from diabetes.
How can you become dehydrated?
Anyone can easily become unexpectedly dehydrated.
It is crucial to rehydrate regularly if you are involved in intense and prolonged physical exercise.
The risk of dehydration is high if you work manually or in a hot environment.
The same applies if you spend time in a poorly ventilated or dry environment.
Don't forget to rehydrate in winter, especially if you're elderly.
You may not feel like drinking enough water, but the warm air can dry out your skin.
You can suffer from dehydration by drinking alcohol or drinks containing caffeine.
These products have a diuretic effect and can cause you to lose more water than usual.
Diuretic drugs prescribed for heart failure and high blood pressure can increase the risk of dehydration.
The different symptoms of dehydration:
A small water loss of 1.5% can cause signs such as:
- Headaches, delirium, confusion
- Fatigue or asthenia
- Dizziness, weakness, dizziness
- Dry mouth and/or cough
- High heart rate but low blood pressure
- Loss of appetite with a strong desire for sweets
- Red skin, swollen feet
- Muscle cramps
- Heat intolerance or shivering
- Constipation
- Dark-coloured urine
Dehydration has more effects than you think.
Studies show that even mild dehydration can have a significant impact on mood and energy.
It can affect the ability to think clearly.
The fact is that the human brain is made up of around 75% water.
Lack of water slows circulation, resulting in less oxygen circulating throughout your body.
Thirst is part of the body's complex warning system and should not be ignored.
What are the different levels of dehydration?
Dehydration can be classified as follows:
- Mild
All you need to do is drink more fluids orally.
You should drink water or drinks containing electrolytes.
This is important if you sweat a lot or lose fluids through vomiting or diarrhoea.
You should feel better after five or ten minutes.
- Moderate
Moderate dehydration requires intravenous hydration.
This provides essential nutrients more quickly than the solutions you drink. You can get this at an urgent care centre or hospital.
- Severe
Consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms of dehydration are severe.
He or she will determine your level of dehydration and prescribe treatment.
You will need medical observation in hospital.
Your doctor or surgeon may recommend a rehydration solution that is suitable for you.
The effects of dehydration on the brain and body:
Severe dehydration causes the blood vessels in the brain to narrow.
When there is not enough fluid in the brain, this affects memory and coordination, impairing cognitive function.
In extreme cases, this can lead to delirium, loss of consciousness or even coma. The brains of dehydrated adults show signs of increased neuronal activation when performing cognitive tasks.
This means that their brain is working harder than usual to accomplish the task.
In healthy young adults, this extra effort manifests itself in fatigue and mood swings.
The heart also has to work harder when there is less water in the blood.
On average, a person needs to urinate five to seven times a day.
When they are dehydrated, they may urinate less.
This is because the reduction in water in the blood forces the kidneys to retain urine.
Dehydration should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to other heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can occur quickly and be fatal.
Conclusion:
In short, maintaining good hydration is crucial to the proper functioning of the brain and body. Even mild dehydration can lead to troublesome symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and cognitive problems.
To avoid these harmful effects, it is essential to drink enough water every day.
The elderly, children, alcoholics and diabetics in particular need to be particularly vigilant about their hydration.
Don't forget that staying hydrated isn't just for hot summer days; it's just as important to drink water in winter.
By incorporating regular hydration habits and avoiding diuretic drinks such as alcohol and caffeine, you can support your physical and mental health to the full.
Remember, good hydration is the key to a healthy brain and overall well-being.