Water helps the body remove the toxins from cells and excrete them through the urine and breath. Without water, the body cannot do this efficiently, causing toxins to build up. A toxic buildup harms the kidneys, which process the removal of the toxins from the body. If the kidneys fail, the toxins build up even further, causing widespread organ failure and death.
Though drinking pure water is the main way a person takes in fluids, other liquids, such as herbal teas, fruit juices, and broth, also aid hydration.
Examples include fruits, berries, and greens. However, not all foods will help hydrate the body. Very dry, salty foods, such as breaded products, salty chips, or other dry, packaged snacks, may make dehydration worse. Drinks containing alcohol or caffeine may dehydrate the body faster, as they cause excessive urination. The symptoms of dehydration can appear quickly. If the body starts to lose water, it may send signals to the brain to trigger a response that the person will notice.
Most people are familiar with minor symptoms of dehydration, such as having a very dry mouth or feeling very thirsty. A review posted to the journal Nutrients notes that thirst is the first sign that a person does not have enough water in their body. For most people, drinking when they feel thirsty will provide them with more than enough water to function and thrive. Listening to these signals and getting water into the body is crucial.
If a person ignores these signs or cannot get water, their body will respond. The brain will send signals to the body to conserve water and urinate less. This will occur through your kidneys. They rely on an adequate water intake to function properly. Without enough water, the kidneys use more energy and wear on tissue.
Your kidneys need to function adequately to flush out waste from your blood. Eventually, your kidneys will cease to function without adequate water intake. Other organs in your body may also cease to function without water. Food consumption contributes to 20 percent of your total water intake per day.
Some people may get even more water from their food if they eat a significant amount of fruits and vegetables, which contain a high amount of water.
People in countries like Greece and South Korea include many more of these foods in their daily diets, resulting in more water intake through foods.
Fruits and vegetables with the highest amount of water include :. Other foods that contain a high amount of water include :. Consuming foods high in water will help prevent dehydration. You must be careful with your fluid intake if you become dehydrated.
The appropriate method of rehydration will vary from person to person. Adults may just need to drink water to rehydrate. Small children may require a drink that includes sodium in addition to water to replenish the body appropriately.
Children may need to take this solution in very small amounts at first. Maintaining an adequate amount of water in your body is vitally important to your life. Some elderly people can become chronically dehydrated if they take certain medications such as diuretics. They can also metabolically have a diminished sense of thirst or physically have a difficult time getting a glass of water.
Signs of dehydration you should look for in the elderly include low blood pressure, confusion, dizziness and constipation. Urinary tract infections, which are common in older adults, can also cause dehydration.
If symptoms become severe, make sure you take your elderly relative to the emergency room. However, this is not the case. And you know how you can often see your breath in the cold air?
This is actually water vapor your body is losing that needs to be replenished. The best way to avoid excessive fluid loss is to prevent dehydration in the first place. By following a few, quick tips, you can be one less American with chronic dehydration:. Need care today? Check-in online at a GoHealth Urgent Care center near you using the widget below, or just walk in.
Louis, MO. What Is Dehydration? Confusion, Dizziness or Lightheadedness Did you know that your brain is composed of? Fever and Chills Usually we associate a fever and chills with having an illness like the flu or an. Unconsciousness If you or someone you know is feeling lightheaded or hot due to a high body temperature, they might be on the brink of passing out.
That's why it's important to increase water intake during hot weather or when you're ill. Sometimes dehydration occurs for simple reasons: You don't drink enough because you're sick or busy, or because you lack access to safe drinking water when you're traveling, hiking or camping.
To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables. Letting thirst be your guide is an adequate daily guideline for most healthy people. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions.
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