Dehydration is a common problem among adults. I have read studies that indicate that at any one time approximately 75% of American adults are suffering with mild symptoms that result from being dehydrated. Being a chiropractor in San Diego, a desert community, we see many people suffering from ailments ranging from neck pain and headaches to lower back pain that carries some link to dehydration.
The human body is approximately 65% water. By definition, dehydration occurs as the result of excessive loss of water from the body. This occurs as a direct result of not taking in enough water. That is a very superficial explanation of dehydration. In reality, it's a bit more complicated than that since the body loses electrolytes as well as fluids.
Dehydration is a major issue with our health.
A common scene in professional sports is that of the athletes becoming dehydrated and “cramping up”. This cramping of muscles affects us normal (non-professional athletes) people as well. We suffer from back spasms, neck pain and many other similar symptoms as a result of dehydration.
Headaches are another common symptom of dehydration that needs to be taken into account. Dehydration has long been known to be a trigger of Migraine type headaches. It is staggering to think of how many dollars are spent for treatment of headaches when the underlying culprit is dehydration.
Many people mistakenly think that dehydration only occurs in hot weather and that you're not dehydrated if you're not thirsty. Usually by the time you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated.
Dehydration Facts:
• It takes about 64 to 80 ounces to replace the water our bodies lose in 24 hours.
• Normally, how much water we need depends on the volume of our perspiration and urine output.
• Our bodies' need for water increases under circumstances such as:
• Living in warmer climates
• Living at high altitudes
• Increased physical activity
• With vomiting or diarrhea
• With fever
• When you have a cold or the flu
• Those with chronic disease such as uncontrolled or untreated diabetes
• Losing as little as 1 to 2% of body weight can result in dehydration.
• Losing 3 to 5% can negatively impact reaction time, concentration and judgment
• Losing 9 - 15% results in severe dehydration and is life-threatening.
Dehydration Symptoms:
• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Less frequent need to urinate and decreased output
• Darker colored urine (should be nearly clear to pale yellow)
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate and respirations
• Skin that doesn't snap back when pinched and released
• Children may exhibit additional symptoms:
• Absence of tears when crying
• No wet diaper for three hours or longer
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Fever
When caught early, dehydration can usually be treated at home. Common treatments include:
• Mild dehydration: rehydration by drinking fluids including sports drinks, which rehydrate by providing not only fluid, but also electrolytes and salt. In children, products such as Pedialyte may be recommended as it also contains carbohydrates to help absorption in the intestinal tract. Coffee, tea, and soda should not be used for dehydration as the caffeine in them can actually be dehydrating.
• Moderate dehydration: rehydration may suffice, but IV fluids may be required.
• Severe dehydration: Immediate action must be taken, treating the situation as a medical emergency. Hospital treatment is necessary for IV fluids to rehydrate more quickly and efficiently and to allow observation.
As with most ailments, it's better to prevent dehydration than to treat it. Here are some preventative steps you can take:
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water. Fruit contains the most water, followed by vegetables, meat, then grains with the least.
• Choose your beverages wisely. Caffeine and alcohol can be dehydrating. For some people, too much fruit juice can cause diarrhea, which can be dehydrating.
• If you're planning a day with more significantly exercise than usual, begin hydrating the day before.
• Sports drinks can help maintain electrolyte balance, but be aware of the sugars in them.
• Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
• If you're organizing outdoor activities, provide shaded areas.
• When you're ill, be sure to continue drinking fluids, and get additional fluids if you have a fever or are vomiting or have diarrhea. Call your doctor for help with vomiting or diarrhea if necessary.
Call Steve Jones at his San Diego Chiropractic Clinic
(619) 280 0554
www.jonespainrelief.com
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