Cause and Effects of Dehydration and Hydration
Erik Lipka
Mrs. Van Mierlo
English 101 05
21 February 2013
The Effects of Dehydration and Hydration
Water is a necessity in our world today but especially involving the health of human beings. Water is so important to human life that we would not survive without it because people become dehydrated when an insufficient supply of fluids are consumed in a day. “Human survival is dependent on water -- water has been ranked by experts as second only to oxygen as essential for life” (“Health Benefits of Water”). Proper hydration and the avoidance of dehydration are mainstays for health and well-being. The importance of drinking water is crucial in order to maintain a healthy and proper functioning body. Dehydration is actually quite common in our society today. “Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving your body is greater than the amount being taken in” (“Functional Fit Facts”). Severe dehydration can be deadly which may cause symptoms such as intense thirst, absence of sweat, heart racing and delirium. More commonly experienced is a mild or moderate form which results in feelings of dizziness, fatigue, headaches and poor concentration. The majority of folks don’t realize they are undergoing symptoms of mild dehydration and that they can cure themselves with the proper intake of fluids, water for example (“Functional Fit Facts”). Proper hydration varies depending on many factors such as age, physical condition and even the climate. A commonly recommended amount of fluid intake is a half-ounce of fluid per pound of body weight, daily (Glenn Sabin). Drinking water helps with the regulation of temperature in the body through perspiration. This is especially important when playing sports. Water also plays a key role in the digestion of food. Food cannot be digested without water. Water is needed to break down and to digest food. It helps to eliminate waste and deliver nutrients to where they are needed. “If your body lacks water, your heart, for
Mrs. Van Mierlo
English 101 05
21 February 2013
The Effects of Dehydration and Hydration
Water is a necessity in our world today but especially involving the health of human beings. Water is so important to human life that we would not survive without it because people become dehydrated when an insufficient supply of fluids are consumed in a day. “Human survival is dependent on water -- water has been ranked by experts as second only to oxygen as essential for life” (“Health Benefits of Water”). Proper hydration and the avoidance of dehydration are mainstays for health and well-being. The importance of drinking water is crucial in order to maintain a healthy and proper functioning body. Dehydration is actually quite common in our society today. “Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving your body is greater than the amount being taken in” (“Functional Fit Facts”). Severe dehydration can be deadly which may cause symptoms such as intense thirst, absence of sweat, heart racing and delirium. More commonly experienced is a mild or moderate form which results in feelings of dizziness, fatigue, headaches and poor concentration. The majority of folks don’t realize they are undergoing symptoms of mild dehydration and that they can cure themselves with the proper intake of fluids, water for example (“Functional Fit Facts”). Proper hydration varies depending on many factors such as age, physical condition and even the climate. A commonly recommended amount of fluid intake is a half-ounce of fluid per pound of body weight, daily (Glenn Sabin). Drinking water helps with the regulation of temperature in the body through perspiration. This is especially important when playing sports. Water also plays a key role in the digestion of food. Food cannot be digested without water. Water is needed to break down and to digest food. It helps to eliminate waste and deliver nutrients to where they are needed. “If your body lacks water, your heart, for
Cited: "The Role of Water in the Body and Why It Is Important That We Drink Enough of It." Water. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013. "What Is the General Effect of Dehydration on the Body?" What Is the General Effect of Dehydration on the Body? N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013. "Proper Hydration and Your Health." FON Therapeutics. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013. "The Health Benefits of Water." The Health Benefits of Water. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.