Sci 241 Week 5 Assignment: Dehydration
Dehydration
SCI/241 October 24, 2010
Dehydration
What is Dehydration?
Dehydration is defined as the process of losing excess amounts of water, which depletes the body of essential fluids. Dehydration can be caused by various factors, however the number one reason for dehydration is not drinking enough water or not replenishing the water the body has lost. The body is composed of 60% water. This water is used throughout our bodies to help perform normal functions. When this water is used during exercise as sweat, during urination and in vomiting, and during diarrhea and fever when sick, the body must restore that used water or the body will become dehydrated. The effects of dehydration can range from minor to serious health issues, and that is why proper hydration is critical. Water is a very essential element in proper health maintenance and is the key to fighting dehydration.
Why Water Is Vital
As stated earlier, water is essential to health maintenance since over half of our body weight is water (that over 60% of our body is water). University Text notes that our body’s water requirement depends on water loss (2004). Water is in all of the organs, muscles, and tissues inside of us that allow us to breath, live, and perform everyday functions. This water in our blood helps to move vitamins and minerals throughout our bodies, and in and out of cells.
Water has many functions in our bodies. According to University Text, “Water bathes the cells of the body and lubricates and cleanses internal and
SCI/241 October 24, 2010
Dehydration
What is Dehydration?
Dehydration is defined as the process of losing excess amounts of water, which depletes the body of essential fluids. Dehydration can be caused by various factors, however the number one reason for dehydration is not drinking enough water or not replenishing the water the body has lost. The body is composed of 60% water. This water is used throughout our bodies to help perform normal functions. When this water is used during exercise as sweat, during urination and in vomiting, and during diarrhea and fever when sick, the body must restore that used water or the body will become dehydrated. The effects of dehydration can range from minor to serious health issues, and that is why proper hydration is critical. Water is a very essential element in proper health maintenance and is the key to fighting dehydration.
Why Water Is Vital
As stated earlier, water is essential to health maintenance since over half of our body weight is water (that over 60% of our body is water). University Text notes that our body’s water requirement depends on water loss (2004). Water is in all of the organs, muscles, and tissues inside of us that allow us to breath, live, and perform everyday functions. This water in our blood helps to move vitamins and minerals throughout our bodies, and in and out of cells.
Water has many functions in our bodies. According to University Text, “Water bathes the cells of the body and lubricates and cleanses internal and
References: Dugdale, D. (2009) Electrolytes. Med Line Plus. Retrieved October 24, 2010, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov Laskey, J. (2008) The Health benefits of Water. Natural Home Center. Retrieved October 24, 2010, from http://www.everydayhealth.com Nissl, J. (2007) Dehydration: Prevention. Health Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 24, 2010, from http://www.aolhealth.com University Text (2004) Water and Minerals. Nutrition Everyday. Retrieved October 24, 2010, from Chapter 9, p. 283-287.