DANGERS OF DEHYDRATION!

Everyone knows the Dry Season for its High Temperate Nature. The temperature this season is so high that your whole body definitely feels the intensity of the heat and the body plays a role called Homeostasis whereby, it helps regulate it's internal temperature, alongside sweat will be produced as it tries to normalize. 

The body has a perfect way of responding to everything that goes on in our environment. One beautiful thing about the body is that it ensures that it's various organs, tissues and cells are protected from every strange change in the environment that may be harmful. 

Most Importantly, the cell, tissue, and organs require FLUID to perform their unique functions such as Maintaining Temperature, Disposing of waste products, Lubricating Joints and so on. When there is a shortage in the body fluids, there wouldn't be proper functioning.

Sadly, people can go on for days being dehydrated without even realizing it maybe because they didn't take note of the signs associated with Dehydration, on the other hand, some actually ignore the signs only to end up having certain complications as a result of Dehydration. You must understand that just the slightest bit of dehydration can negatively affect how you function, from your Energy levels to Digestion and even to the body Immunity. If for every slight work an individual does he feels tired and it happens that there is no potential health condition triggering it then it's obvious that such an individual is Dehydrated. No one loves to turn out for work feeling weak and tired, isn't it? However, one way of treating your body right, is by staying HYDRATED.

WHAT IS DEHYDRATION?

Dehydration is when the normal water content of the body is reduced, and because of that, there is an imbalance of the minerals (i.e the electrolytes in the body like sodium, potassium and bicarbonate) in your body, which will affect the way the body functions. 

Dehydration occurs in all ages even babies do experience it too, it is paramount that mother's pay close attention to their children.

Remember that dehydration is as a result of the body lacking the right amount of Water and Electrolytes and this may occur as a result of the following:

1) ENVIRONMENT: Although, dehydration is a year round challenge, it is usually associated with sunny outdoor environments and high heat. During a hot weather the body produce much sweat making fluids and electrolytes to be loss into the atmosphere. 

2) CERTAIN SICKNESS LIKE FEVER, DIARRHOEA, VOMITING , AND UTI's: These are ways the body loses its fluid and if you keep vomiting for instance, you would notice you are losing strength, that's a sign that you are dehydrated.

3)EXERCISE OR EXCESSIVE ACTIVITY: During exercise, fats and carbohydrates are used excessively and they burn out so fast. When you engage in an exercise routine or any activity without the right water intake then you are likely to be Dehydrated because as you exercise the body is losing fluid

4) INSUFFICIENT FLUID CONSUMPTION: Water needs to get into the cells promptly, so that it can carryout it's necessary function. Other electrolytes such as sodium and potassium actually helps water to get into the body cells properly. So when you starve yourself of water over a long period of time, the cells become dehydrated.

NOTE: The body does not have any reservoir for storing water for the future, do well to drink the right amount of water when your are thirsty because it's a trigger that your body needs to be refilled.

5) EXCESSIVE INTAKE OF ALCOHOL 

SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION

The signs of dehydration is quite different for various people and can go from mild, moderate to severe. All depending on the stage of which the individual has lacked fluid and electrolytes. It can lead to serious health conditions which include:

- Dry Mouth.

- Feeling so thirsty.

- Having a urine color that is darker than the normal.

- Passing Less Urine than usual. 

- Headache.

- Unusual Muscle cramps.

- Being dizzy all of a sudden or fainting; (this is also for the male gender too)

- Severe muscle contractions in the arms, legs, stomach, and back

- Convulsions

- A Bloated Stomach

- Heart failure

- Feeling Tired unnecessarily.

- Rapid heartbeat or breathing as a result of water shortage. 

HEALTH DANGERS OF BEING DEHYDRATED:

At the very point you become Dehydrated, you actually endanger your body to some issues and it could be any of these listed below or a combination of them:

1) LOSS OF STRENGTH 

2) CONFUSION AND INSTABILITY 

3) LOSS OF STAMINA 

4) LOW BLOOD PRESSURE 

5) SHOCK

6) MUSCLE SPASMS 

7) SEIZURES 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHILE EXPERIENCING DEHYDRATION:

To become fit while in the dehydrated state, will be accomplished by the replenishment of necessary water(fluid) and electrolytes. After this is done successfully we can then say you've been Rehydrated.

When you notice, you are dehydrated, do well to avoid unnecessary sweating as it wastes the fluid left in your body.

NOTE: THAT SWEATS CONTAINS FLUID AND MINERALS.

However, the best treatment for minor dehydration is consumption of an electrolyte-balanced fluid like a sports drink. No carbonated drinks please! But much more than that water must also be consumed alongside ensure you don't take too much water as this might cause another health issues too. 

REMEMBER DON'T SUBSTITUTE WATER FOR ANY CAFFEINATED, CARBONATED DRINKS OR ALCOHOL BECAUSE IT WILL ONLY GET YOU MORE DEHYDRATED.

For severe cases of dehydration where fainting, unconsciousness, or any other severely inhibiting symptom is present, where the patient is incapable of standing or thinking clearly, emergency attention is required. Do not wait any second so that Fluids will be given through an IV, and within a few hours, the patient will return to normal unless a complication may occur or the patient may pass away.

WE ALL NEED TO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO OUR HEALTH REGARDING BEING DEHYDRATED SO AS TO AVOID COMPLICATIONS.

Have a beautiful season and ensure you are safe while you stay Hydrated. 

Lots of love from your Favourite Nurse Favour

See you in your Healthy Self and don't forget to share this blog post to others.