Dehydration occurs when a person doesn’t take in enough fluid or loses too much fluid. Without enough water, the human body cannot function properly. Learning how to stay hydrated and recognizing and treating dehydration before it becomes severe, are important steps for good health.

Causes of Dehydration

The average adult loses more than 10 cups of water every day through natural body functions, such as breathing, sweating, and eliminating waste. Most people easily replace that fluid by eating and drinking as they normally do. However, certain conditions affect the body’s ability to stay well hydrated, requiring a concious effort to take in more water. In fact, thirst is not a sufficient measure because a person may be dehydrated and not feel thirsty. Dehydration is cumulative, meaning the longer you go without enough fluids, the more dehydrated you become.

People who experience the following symptoms are at a higher risk for deydration:

• fever
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• Chronic illness
• sweating
• Heat exhaustion

Infants, elderly people, pregnant women, and obese individuals are more susceptible to dehydration.

Symptoms of Dehydration

• Dry, sticky mouth, or a swollen tongue
• Fatigue, weakness
• Irritability
• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Darkening and/or a decrease in urine
• Depression

Water and the body

2/3 of the human body is made up of water. Although it is possible to go for a long time without food, people cannot live for more than a few days without water. Every cell and organ depends on water to perform essential functions. The water in your body performs the following functions:

• Removes waste and toxins
• Transports nutrients and oxygen
• Controls heart rate and blood pressure
• Regulates body temperature
• Lubricates joints
• Protects organs and tissue, including the eyes, ears, and heart

Staying Hydrated

The amount of fluid needed each day can differ with each individual. Some practitioners reccomend taking your weight in pounds, divide that number in half and the answer is the number of ounces of water you should be getting each day. For example, if you weigh 200 lbs, then you should be getting a minimum of 100 oz each day.

Another great way to replenish your body of fluid is Colon Hydrotherapy. During a Colon Hydrotherapy session, the colon is gently filled with water and emptied of toxic waste. This is a great way to improve the hydration status of the colon.

Call us at Houston Colon Care and Wellness Center to schedule YOUR Colon hydrotherapy session! You will feel great!