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Dehydration

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Water makes up more than half of the human body and is required for our cell systems to properly perform their necessary functions. Dehydration occurs when more water is lost than what is being taken in. Making sure we have the proper amount of fluids in our cells is vital to ensuring our bodies are able to properly perform their essentially necessary functions. Water acts like a cleanser, helping with the removal of harmful waste and possible deadly toxins. Our blood, which is made primarily of water, is responsible for carrying many nutrients to nearby waiting cells. Our immune system, which contains a fluid called lymph, is also made of water. If our immune system is affected by dehydration, it stops working properly and our body…show more content…
Our bodies can obtain water from most foods or liquids we consume, but pure water is best. Alcohol is known to affect the levels of hydration within human cells through its diuretic effects. The more alcohol an individual consumes, the more water is removed from the body through the individuals frequent need to urinate. Caffeine is also a known diuretic, but its effects on hydration levels are believed to be minimal.
The symptoms of dehydration vary from person to person, with factors such as age and weight playing a role in how a person responds to the effects dehydration on their individual body. Adults will respond differently to the symptoms of dehydration than children will. When children and infants become sick they may suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, or increased urination, therefore their bodies require their electrolyte levels be restored in an attempt to prevent the effects of dehydration. Drinks such as Pedialyte are infused with sodium and potassium, much like many sports drinks are higher in electrolytes than pure water. The major difference between electrolyte juices such as Pedialyte and sports drinks are pediatric juices are generally not loaded with additional sugars.
Preventing the effects of dehydration during hot weather requires an individual to increase their intake of fluids. Moderate to heavy exercise can
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