Dehydration of the body. Dehydration (dehydration) - causes and symptoms, treatment and complications of dehydration

The human body mainly consists of liquid, so it is very important for the normal functioning of all vital systems to maintain its amount at the proper level.

What is dehydration?

Dehydration is a decrease in fluid in the human body below the physiological norm. As a result of water loss, a person experiences a lack of it, and therefore the water-salt balance is disturbed. This is a balance between the aqueous environment and minerals, which leads to blood thickening and an increase in the concentration of cellular elements. How to determine dehydration, what are its symptoms and how to avoid it - the answers to these questions will be discussed below.

Degree of dehydration

There are several degrees of dehydration, these are:

1. Light form. When about 6% of the total amount of fluid in the body is lost, this is approximately 1-2 liters.
2. Moderate dehydration. This is a decrease in fluid from 6 to 10%, that is, its loss is from 2 to 4 liters
3. Severe dehydration. In this case, more than 4 liters of liquid are lost, that is, more than 10%.
4. Acute dehydration. Loss of more than 10 liters of fluid is life-threatening. This condition can lead to coma or death. Since only a specialist can determine dehydration of the human body, that is, the degree of dehydration, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor for advice and treatment.

Depending on the salt balance, there are several types of dehydration:

1. Isotonic, when the salt composition of the blood is normal.
2. Hypertensive, when the concentration of salt in the blood is increased.
3. Hypotonic, when the amount of salt is reduced.

How does fluid loss affect the human body from the inside?

Before you can identify dehydration in a child or adult, you need to understand how it works inside the body. Liquid is found not only in all cells of the human body, but also outside them. The medium contains mineral salts: sodium and potassium (electrolytes), which are necessary for carrying out important body processes. When water is removed from cells and tissues, the amount of electrolytes decreases, and the cells literally “dry out.” All this leads to the failure of all working systems of the body and subsequently to serious diseases.

When does dehydration occur?

If a lack of water in the body leads to serious human illnesses, then, in turn, hydration is an excellent way to maintain health. How to determine dehydration, what signs of this negative process exist?

1. With excessive vomiting and diarrhea.
2. For intestinal obstruction.
3. With peritonitis.
4. For large burns.
5. For pancreatitis.
6. With increased urination.
7. At high temperatures, etc.

Dehydration or loss of fluid by the body can occur during extreme heat, when a person sweats a lot, during physical exertion or hard work, during alcohol abuse, with certain diseases, for example, diabetes, etc.

How do you know if your body is getting enough fluid?

Dehydration may present with atypical symptoms, such as chronic fatigue and constant hunger. These symptoms are associated with a large accumulation in the body, which requires fluid to be removed, which the body does not receive enough. Also atypical signs include slagging. Due to lack of fluid, sodium is retained in the cells, which contributes to clogging. A large amount of toxins causes headaches, foul sweat, and constipation. An unhealthy complexion appears.

What symptoms will help you understand whether the body needs fluid, how to determine this? Dehydration involves the following symptoms:

1. Dry mouth and constant desire to drink. The amount of water a person drinks should correspond to his load. Sometimes thirst is quenched very quickly, but sometimes you have to drink more liquid for the dryness to disappear.
2. Weakness, constant yawning. This symptom is felt when the human body does not receive enough substances necessary for normal functioning. Water is also included in the necessary components. To feel good, a person must eat well, that is, eat and drink, and eat in moderation.
3. Loss of appetite. When your body is dehydrated, you don't feel like eating. But some diseases can also affect it - stress, etc.
4. Increased body temperature, which must be reduced in various ways.

In addition to the above symptoms, when the body is dehydrated, dizziness, tachycardia or chills may occur. It can also lead to serious problems such as shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and increased temperature. If the body loses a lot of water, nausea and vomiting, convulsions may begin, and if these symptoms occur, you should call a doctor. To restore the body, the doctor will most likely use intravenous drips with saline solution. This treatment must be carried out within the walls of a hospital; such patients are not left at home.

Dehydration in infants

Children are more prone to dehydration than adults. How to determine dehydration in a baby? Main signs and symptoms:

1. The baby's diaper remains dry for more than 6 hours.
2. Urine looks darker and has a specific odor.
3. Dry lips and mouth of an infant.
4. Lethargy.
5. Lack of tears when crying.

Not everyone knows how to identify the symptoms of severe water loss? Dehydration in an infant of the 3rd degree manifests itself as follows:

1. Sunken eyes.
2. Coldness of arms and legs.
3. Marbled leather.
4. Dizziness and delirium.
5. Excessive fussiness or, conversely, drowsiness.

What to do if your child is dehydrated?

In children, dehydration occurs very quickly. Therefore, if any serious signs appear, you must immediately consult a doctor for help, since only a doctor can determine whether a child has dehydration or another disease. You may need to give fluids intravenously until the proper balance of water in your body is achieved.

Dehydration in children with diarrhea

Very often, the cause of dehydration in children can be diarrhea and vomiting. This occurs due to poisoning or various pathologies. Taking certain medications sometimes only worsens this problem. Loss of fluid and, accordingly, occurs very quickly. Therefore, you need to immediately identify the causes of these symptoms and take measures to eliminate them.

Since only a doctor can determine dehydration in a child with diarrhea, you must immediately seek his help. Severe dehydration due to diarrhea can lead to serious consequences, such as kidney failure.

There are standards that must be followed. A child under 6 months of age should drink about 1 liter of water per day. These are juices, tea, breast milk, as well as liquid that is present in fruits, berries or other foods. When a child has diarrhea and vomiting, his little body can quickly be left without it. After all, a lot of fluid comes out with feces. And if the child still has a high temperature, then this completely aggravates the situation. Doctors advise giving your child more to drink; he will definitely not get worse.

To prevent dehydration of the child’s body from occurring too quickly, it is necessary to give the baby 1-2 teaspoons of water every 10 minutes. This will replenish fluid loss without causing repeated vomiting. Breastfeeding women need to put the baby to the breast more often during this period.

How to prevent your child from becoming dehydrated?

It is important to ensure that your child drinks enough fluids, especially when he is sick. This will be a serious obstacle to loss, since it will not be possible to immediately determine dehydration. You need to give your baby more water. If he likes various juices, then it is necessary to dilute them with water. Under no circumstances should you offer your baby carbonated drinks; they have no benefit, and on top of that, they have a detrimental effect on the condition of the teeth.

When a child is sick, soft drinks will help relieve his condition. But you should avoid citrus fruits, orange and grapefruit juices, as these drinks can cause itching and burning in the baby’s mouth.

Features of dehydration in animals. Comparison of symptoms with the human disease

Cats are living beings, and malfunctions in their body can occur for various reasons. Dehydration of the body in animals can occur for the same reasons as in humans. They may get sick or overheat. How to determine dehydration in a cat, what are the symptoms of this condition? A classic sign of dehydration is loss. If you grab a cat by the withers and gently pull it, once it is lowered, it will quickly return to its original position. And when the cat’s body is dehydrated, the skin takes its original appearance for quite a long time. If the retracted area remains in the same position, then the animal has a severe degree of dehydration and must be urgently shown to a veterinarian. Other symptoms of dehydration in a cat:

1. Dry and sticky gums.
2. Lethargy, apathy.
3. Refusal of food.

Causes of dehydration in cats:

1. Diarrhea.
2. Vomit.
3. Increased body temperature.
4. Injury.
5. Overheat.
6. Various diseases.

Before determining dehydration in a cat, you need to consult a veterinarian. He will tell you exactly whether this is true or not, and prescribe the necessary treatment. In adult mammals, such as dogs, fluid makes up about 65% of total body weight. Animals deprived of water die in a very short time. A well-fed dog can withstand fasting with water for a long time, but without it it will not last even 10 days. A loss of 10% of fluid in animals causes severe pathological consequences, and a loss of water in the body above this figure entails death.

Before you can determine if your dog is dehydrated, it is important to understand how fluid gets into his body. Water enters the body of a dog or cat with drink and food, after which it is absorbed unchanged by the intestines. The need for fluid varies depending on the composition of the feed, the physiological state of the animal, weather conditions and habitat. For example, when feeding a dog or cat dry food, increased physical activity and hot weather, the need for water increases several times.

There are several degrees of dehydration in animals; at home it is quite difficult to determine the stage of dehydration on your own. You should constantly monitor your dog's condition. Signs of fluid loss:

1. Lethargy, bad mood.
2. Decreased or complete absence of appetite.
3. Vomiting or loose stools.
4. Fever, etc.

To avoid dehydration, everyone needs this, both people and animals. But not only this will help cope with the problem. Ventilate the premises more often, eat healthy food and clean water, wear clothes made from natural materials, etc.

Dehydration is a condition characterized by a lack of water in the body, leading to metabolic disorders. A person consists of 80% water: blood, lymph, intercellular fluid, cells. Various diseases lead to dehydration. It is important to identify signs of dehydration in time and take measures to improve the condition.

Dehydration of the body is a common pathology in which a significant amount of fluid is lost. Water performs important functions: it promotes the elimination of pathological products, toxins, radionuclides, and is involved in respiration and digestion. All internal organs have a liquid structure.

Dehydration occurs when there is pathological loss of fluid (vomiting, diarrhea, insufficient intake from outside). This threatens with serious consequences, including death, and does not spare children or adults.

The main reasons include:

• hot weather, frost, physical activity, sports lead to increased sweating;
• food poisoning, which is accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting. In a small child, this phenomenon often leads to resuscitation;
• overheating in the sun, wearing warm clothes out of season;
• diseases associated with frequent urination (diabetes mellitus);
• Another endocrine pathology, which is accompanied by increased urination, is diabetes insipidus. As a result of insufficient production of antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin), a quantitative increase in urine occurs;
• high body temperature promotes water loss. Doctors always recommend a drinking regime for intoxication diseases;
• during pregnancy, due to toxicosis, a significant amount of fluid is lost through vomit;
• uncontrolled use of diuretics (for renal pathology, arterial hypertension);
• The process of dehydrogenation in children is worth mentioning separately. Due to poor hygiene, they often develop intestinal infections caused by rotavirus. Low body weight, increased turnover of electrolytes and water lead to rapid dehydration;
• Elderly people suffer from dehydration for several reasons: a reduced ability to retain water inside, disruption of thermoregulation processes, and the threshold of sensitivity to thirst decreases. Most pensioners live alone, suffer from decreased memory, are often malnourished and do not drink enough water;
• Alcohol and drug intoxication often lead to dehydration. Alcohol dries out the mucous membranes and increases urination.

Symptoms and signs of dehydration

Dehydration of the body manifests itself in various signs, it all depends on the degree of dehydration, the main symptoms of the pathology are:

1. With mild dehydration, thirst is observed, increased salivation, dry skin, the amount of urine and the frequency of urination decrease. Patients note the discharge of dark yellow urine.
2. The average degree of dehydration is characterized by excessive thirst, dry skin and mouth, and little urine is produced per day. Its color changes, it becomes brown. Additionally, the following symptoms appear: slight dizziness, patients are aggressive, overly irritable. There is coldness in the extremities, rapid heartbeat, and muscle cramps.
3. In severe cases, a number of symptoms develop:

• an adult or child becomes inattentive, irritable, a feeling of unmotivated fear and embarrassment appears;
• headache, dizziness;
• weakness prevents you from getting out of bed;
• tachypnea, tachycardia, decreased blood pressure;
• skin feels cold, sticky, dry;
• no urination for 24 hours;
• advanced cases of the disease are characterized by loss of consciousness, up to the development of a coma. The danger of dehydration is that it quickly leads to death. 25% fluid loss is considered fatal.

Degrees and types

In medicine, there are four degrees of dehydration depending on the percentage of fluid loss:

1. Mild dehydration - 1 to 3% water loss (approximately 1.5 liters of fluid). This form of the disease is treated at home, through oral dehydration. You need to drink a few tablespoons of water every 10-15 minutes. Regardless of age, a person can recover quickly, without medical help.
2. The average is characterized by a loss of fluid from 3 to 6% (about 3 liters). In case of pathology, it is worth trying to restore normal fluid balance at home. If the drinking procedure is ineffective, call an ambulance or consult a doctor. At this stage, additional drug treatment will be required (drugs containing electrolytes - Regidron). Moderate dehydration is a transitional state between mild and severe.
3. Severe dehydration is considered when water loss is 6-9%. You can't do without hospital drips. It is dangerous to stay at home without medical help.
4. The most severe dehydration is expressed as a percentage - more than 10%. The condition threatens with serious consequences, death. It is better not to lead to such a situation.

There is a separate classification according to changes in salt balance:

1. Isotonic dehydration is accompanied by excessive excretion of sodium from the body. The concentration of the chemical changes slightly in the intercellular fluid. It occurs with vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, development of an “acute abdomen” (cholecystitis, appendicitis, pancreatitis), burns, polyuria. Manifests symptoms of mild dehydration. It is not difficult to restore normal water levels in this condition.
2. Hypertensive dehydration is characterized by increased salt levels. Occurs against the background of renal failure, long-term use of diuretics, and intoxication syndrome. Characteristic signs are general weakness, mental disorders, excessive thirst, serious condition, convulsive syndrome, fever. Treatment of overhydration often occurs in the intensive care unit; it is better to prevent dehydration in time so as not to treat complications.
3. Hypotonic dehydration occurs when the concentration of sodium in the cell is reduced. Excessive diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive sweating are the main conditions for the formation of this type of dehydration. In patients, blood circulation, brain, kidney, and liver function are disrupted, the blood thickens, and in biochemical analysis, residual urea nitrogen is significantly increased.

Review of effective treatments

To get rid of a pathological condition, you need to make every effort. An integrated approach to treatment methods will save the situation.

Medicines and droppers

Moderate and severe forms must be treated with droppers. Infusion therapy promotes rapid restoration of fluid volume in the blood. Regular saline solution, Ringer's solution, glucose, trisol, disol are perfect for combating the pathological condition. Hemodez, Poliglyukin are plasma-replacement drugs that fight intoxication, bleeding, and prevent further fluid loss.

High body temperature requires cooling the body and administering antipyretic medications. Vomiting is treated with antiemetic drugs (sturgeon).

Additionally, medications with sodium and potassium salts are prescribed (Pedialit, Oralit, Regidron).

Folk remedies

You can use folk recipes only when the first symptoms of the disease appear, in the initial period. Other cases require qualified assistance. Traditional healers recommend:

1. Add a small amount of salt to a glass of water. You need to drink four glasses a day + don’t forget to eat light cereals (cereals, buckwheat).
2. A similar recipe - you need to add a little sugar to a glass of water.
3. Healing herbal drinks will replenish the liquid environment and reduce the manifestations of intoxication. Tinctures with chamomile and rose hips put the body in order. Take a few spoons every 20 minutes.

Features of dehydration

Pathology can occur in different situations. The most common include food poisoning and diuretic use.

In case of poisoning

In case of poisoning, the body tries to remove toxins on its own through diarrhea and vomiting. Fluid loss + bacterial toxins and high body temperature contribute to even greater water loss. It is easy to identify food intoxication. When the first signs of poisoning appear, take active measures to combat dehydration. Replenish your supplies with clean, drinking water, do not bring your body to the last stage.

When taking diuretics

Diuretics, like other drugs, have many side effects. Chronic fluid loss is one of them. It is not difficult to understand that dehydration begins due to medications. The above symptoms appear. Diuretics remove water and electrolytes from the body. A lot of calcium is lost, which results in pain in the back and joints. Do not take diuretics uncontrollably; only your doctor will determine the correct indications for the prescription.

What drinks to drink if you are dehydrated

Doctors recommend saturating the body with fluids using dried fruit compotes and unsweetened tea. You can eat fermented milk products - kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt. They help restore disturbed intestinal microflora and tone other organs and systems. Lemon water has healing effects. A few drops in a glass of water help fight pathology.

Possible consequences and complications

Dehydration threatens a decrease in blood volume, a drop in blood pressure, and impaired hemodynamics. Irreversible processes occur in the internal organs; it is very difficult to return their initial state in the future.

Complications of dehydration:

1. Development of hypovolemic shock.
2. Acute renal failure.
3. Acute liver failure.
4. Impaired breathing and circulation.

The progression of the dehydration state can only be stopped by timely treatment and monitoring of homeostasis indicators. Drinking regime is the main key to success.

Dehydration is a pathological condition characterized by significant loss of fluid. Dehydration threatens the development of hypovolemic shock.

Content

The condition of dehydration is medically called dehydration. This pathology is diagnosed when there is a large loss of fluid in the body. Its volume is much higher than what a person consumes. Lack of water causes disruption of normal performance. Depending on the degree of dehydration, a person will experience certain symptoms.

Severity of dehydration

Characteristic signs of dehydration in an adult appear gradually as the lack of fluid progresses. In total, there are 3 main degrees of dehydration:

Symptoms of dehydration

A change in the color of urine may indicate a lack of fluid in adults. It turns yellow or amber. As dehydration develops, problems with appetite, shortness of breath, and numbness of the extremities appear. In severe cases, blood pressure and body temperature may drop. The nature of the symptoms can determine the degree of dehydration in adults.

Light degrees

The most obvious sign of mild dehydration is thirst. It develops already with a loss of up to 1.5-2% of weight (1-2 liters of water). In addition to thirst, the following symptoms appear:

• difficulties during bowel movements;
• dry mouth;
• constant drowsiness;
• headache;
• urinary disorders;
• dry skin;
• increased fatigue.

Heavy

The symptoms of severe dehydration coincide with the clinical picture of shock, which occurs as a result of a sharp decrease in circulating blood volume. Fluid loss is more than 4 liters of fluid, and weight loss is more than 4%. Characteristic signs of dehydration in adults in severe cases:

• rapid breathing;
• irritability;
• tongue swelling;
• confusion;
• decreased elasticity of the skin;
• increased heart rate;
• dry mucous membranes;
• marble leather;
• a sharp decrease in the amount of urine excreted;
• lack of facial expressions;
• decreased blood pressure;
• metabolic acidosis;
• cold hands and feet.

Complicated course

As dehydration progresses, signs of complications join its general symptoms. Dehydration can cause the following dangerous conditions:

• Attacks of severe convulsions. These are involuntary, uncontrollable muscle contractions in a series of contractions and releases or a temporary period of tension. Convulsions appear suddenly and are paroxysmal in nature.
• State of shock. Initially causes an increase in heart rate and a decrease in systolic pressure. The skin becomes pale. Subsequently, increased sweating, accelerated breathing and loss of consciousness occur. In the absence of adequate therapy, the person dies.
• Kidney failure. At the initial stage, a decrease in the daily volume of urine to 400 ml appears. The person experiences weakness, drowsiness, lethargy, nausea and vomiting. A characteristic sign of kidney failure is yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Heat injury. It manifests itself as a deterioration in general well-being, decreased blood pressure, increased body temperature, shortness of breath, convulsions, redness of the skin, nausea and vomiting, and fainting.
• Swelling of the brain. Causes confusion, headache, convulsions, drop in blood pressure, paroxysmal breathing, and pulse instability.

Everyone knows about the benefits of water, but sometimes we have no idea about its lack in the body. Meanwhile, Bad mood, anxiety, depression, insomnia - these are perhaps the most harmless manifestations of dehydration, which is caused by the lack of habit of drinking water.

Dehydration is a state of lack of water necessary for chemical and metabolic processes that do not stop for a moment throughout our lives.

The human body primarily consists of water, but most of it cannot participate in vital ongoing processes that require only fresh water. The “old” one, drunk yesterday and even a few hours ago, has become history.

Water is the second most important substance necessary for life after oxygen. Water deficiency causes severe stress, changing hormonal balance, increasing blood concentration and body acidity.

Stress often triggers irreversible processes in the development of mental, cardiac, endocrine, and cancer diseases, destroys cells of the spinal cord, brain, and bone tissue, which leads to osteoporosis.

Pain is a sure sign of dehydration

Doctor and scientist Fereydoun Batmanghelidj, author of the book “Your Body Is Asking for Water,” who has devoted more than 20 years to studying water metabolism and the phenomenon of pain, considers pain a true, but ignored sign of a lack of water in the body.

If the pain is not a consequence of injury or infection, then it is a signal of water deficiency in the place where it occurred.

Pain is the body's cry about the lack of water to flush out the area affected by dehydration of toxins and increased acidity, which are metabolic products.

Nerve cells detect changes in the chemical environment in the affected area and transmit. The brain tries to tell us about the problem through pain.

Critical signs of dehydration:

• heartburn,
• dyspepsia (digestive disorder when the stomach is “stuck”),
• back pain,
• rheumatoid joint pain,
• pain in legs when walking,
• muscle pain,
• pain with colitis and constipation,
• pain in the heart area,
• morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy indicates thirst of the fetus and mother,
• bad breath,
• talking in your sleep.

F. Batmanghelidj, during his medical practice, proved that sufficient water consumption can get rid of pain and the causes of many ailments.

Thirst for the brain will turn into depression

When water supplies are depleted, the brain, which consists of 85% water, is the most dehydrated; nine trillion of its cells constantly need it. In conditions of water shortage, the amount of energy sharply decreases, which is reflected, first of all, on the sense organs, forming in them

Sensory signs of thirst:

• untimely fatigue,
• anxiety,
• irritability,
• flushed face,
• depression,
• heaviness in the head
• despondency,
• weakening of sexual desire,
• agoraphobia (fear of open spaces),
• food addictions,
• craving for alcohol, smoking, drugs.

These signs may indicate the early stages of depression. A person, faced with an emotional problem, becomes fixated on it; he is unable to perceive any other information and respond to it with the necessary actions.

Problems consume him so much that for some period of time sober thinking and normal behavior are absent.

Of such kind ineffectiveness of actions is called depression, which can become a prerequisite for chronic fatigue.

Dr. Batmanghelidj's advice:

If you get out of bed in the morning and start your daily life, it means your body and brain are dehydrated. The best tonic for the brain is a glass of clean water, which can bring the brain out of apathy in just a couple of minutes.

According to Batmanghelidj's theory, a lack of water in brain tissue provokes constant social stress, which is accompanied by feelings of fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and frequent family and emotional problems.

All-consuming emotional and mental activity is necessary for a person; it contributes to the formation of personality, shapes and strengthens character, and develops the ability to cope with one’s own negative emotions.

State of depression, usually short-term, passes quickly if you are surrounded by care, love and mutual understanding, which help resolve any conflicts.

However, recently the number of people falling into long-term depression due to life difficulties has increased. The help of antidepressant medications is very doubtful; they are becoming less and less safe for the psyche, and have side effects in the form of a negative perception of the world, loss of empathy for others and for oneself, and thoughts of suicide.

The mechanism of stress during dehydration. What depletes the body's reserves

When there is a shortage of water in the body, it has to work in emergency mode: launch physiological processes, as with any other stress, mobilize all its reserves and use up water reserves.

Thus, a chain of events is observed:

dehydration - stress - consumption of water reserves - further dehydration.

In any stressful situation, the human body prepares for active action - to fight or flee. He cannot explain the fact that modern man has no one to run from and no one to fight with. Reactions inherent at the genetic level always work: either run or fight. Moreover, they work no matter where: at work, at home or in transport.

This happens:

• release of powerful hormones that remain “combat ready” throughout stress (endorphins, prolactin, vasopressin),
• release of cortisone
• activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).

Endorphin. This natural drug or joy hormone maintains a high concentration in the blood during all times of stress. Endorphins increase the pain threshold: if an injury occurs, the person does not feel the fullness of the pain at first, which allows him to take the necessary actions to save himself. In women, endorphins are activated more often in connection with menstruation and childbirth. This explains their better resistance to stress and pain, as well as a higher predisposition to alcoholism (more on this later).

Prolactin is responsible for the production of breast milk in a nursing woman; it is produced in all species of mammals. Thanks to this hormone, milk is produced even under conditions of stress, leading to dehydration of the mother's body. Prolactin is similar to growth hormones in many ways, but its main target is the reproductive organs.

Scientists have made a sensational conclusion: Dehydration is one of the main causes of cancer development. The risk group consists of people who are in a state of long-term depression: Excessive production of prolactin provokes the development of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

Strange as it may sound, an effective prevention of this terrible disease is the habit of regularly drinking water, especially when under stress.

An increase in prolactin in the body, which means the development of cancerous tumors, can also occur under the influence of aspartame: a sugar substitute found in more than 5,000 products.

Vasopressin- a hormone produced by the pituitary gland is involved in the rational distribution of water.

In conditions of dehydration, vasopressin primarily provides water to the cells of the brain, nerves, kidneys, and liver. To do this, it constricts the blood vessels, forcibly taking water from them, which increases the viscosity of the blood.

In addition, vasopressin increases the concentration of urine, forcing the kidneys to retain water. Thanks to vasopressin, the adrenal glands during stress synthesize powerful anti-inflammatory agents (cortisol, cortisone, etc.), which increase pressure on the kidneys a thousand times. Salt retention in the kidneys occurs, and the volume of extracellular water and its influx into the most important cells increases.

If vasopressin levels are low, general dehydration occurs, including the most important brain cells. The production of vasopressin is significantly suppressed by alcohol, caffeine-containing drinks, tea and coffee.

Alcohol under stress conditions, it reduces the production of vasopressin, the body has to intensively produce other anti-stress hormones, including endorphins. When women become dehydrated while drinking alcohol, the risk of developing chronic alcoholism increases.

This is due to their natural tendency to increase the synthesis of endorphins during menstruation and childbirth.

Women only need 3 years to become completely dependent on alcohol; men usually need seven years.

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is activated in the kidneys when the body’s reserves of water and salt decrease, the lack of which leads to dehydration.

The RAS stimulates increased salt intake to induce thirst and thus water consumption. RAS, like vasopressin, causes a narrowing of capillaries and blood vessels, squeezing out all the fluid from them for more important organs.

Lack of salt in the body leads to a destructive lack of water in the extracellular space, contributes to increased blood pressure and the development of chronic diseases. When there is a deficiency of salt, the salivary glands produce kinins - substances that stimulate increased salivation in the salivary glands, and also activate the RAS.

Warning signs of dehydration are

• high blood pressure,
• vasoconstriction (headache),
• dry mouth.

What are the risks of replacing water with tea, coffee and carbonated drinks?

These drinks contain natural stimulants of the nervous system: caffeine and theophylline. They have a strong diuretic effect and worsen dehydration. Caffeine content per cup: coffee - 85 mg, tea or cola - approximately 50 mg.

Caffeine releases energy even when the body does not need it at all. By constantly replacing water with caffeine-containing drinks, the body is deprived of the ability to generate hydroelectric energy necessary for normal functioning.

Excess caffeine undermines health and leads to:

• to the inability of prolonged concentration of attention in young people,
• to chronic fatigue,
• inhibits memory development and learning processes,
• impairs vision,
• depletes the heart muscle
• disrupts the functioning of the heart and blood vessels,
• provokes gastrointestinal diseases, allergies, cancer,
• destruction of nerve tissue occurs at a rate exceeding their natural regeneration. Externally, this process manifests itself in the form of chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis.

Thus,
Causes of chronic unintentional dehydration include:

• lack of feeling of thirst and desire to drink water, which steadily weaken after 20 years,
• replacing water with drinks.

The era of evolution has “rewarded” us with a reduced sense of thirst. We kill it completely by drinking drinks instead of water that satisfy the feeling, but not the need for water itself. Daily water intake: 20 ml - per 1 kg of weight. If you lead an active lifestyle or are losing weight, then the norm is 30 ml per kilogram.

The consequence of dehydration is always a weak immune system. This is a forced measure of the body, which devotes all its reserves to providing water to the most important organs. He has no time to fight infections and DNA damage if the brain is thirsty.

With the elimination of dehydration, the immune system is restored and easily copes with the causes of illnesses and even cancer.

The outstanding doctor and scientist Batmanghelidj is confident, and I completely agree with him:

Without changing your lifestyle, you cannot improve your health. Any pain indicates that we are living incorrectly. Traditional medicines are not able to cure; they only suppress diseases, but do not remove the causes. If you rely on medications, you can lose precious time and health. By drinking the required amount of water, the body is able to cleanse itself and improve its health within a few months.

Think of water as a healing liquid that gives life. Dissolve all your worries and ailments in it.

One of thousands of reviews:

Dear Doctor Batmanghelidj!
I suffer from multiple sclerosis. Recently (four weeks) I have been using the greatest health discovery (2 liters of water daily, no caffeine and a little salt for seasoning). I can confidently say that I am deeply shocked by the amazing results. Before this, I suffered from swelling in my legs for years, but now, after two weeks, the swelling has practically disappeared.

I also appreciate getting rid of my addiction to caffeine and sugar. I am filled with energy and a thirst for life. I had forgotten the slump that usually follows caffeine-induced energy. Having broken out of the vicious circle, I became calmer, more balanced and much more productive at work, I began to look at things more optimistically and be more attentive to the natural rhythms of my body, which I previously drowned out with caffeine.
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Dehydration - how dangerous is it?

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Water balance in the human body

The human body is able to accumulate and retain useful substances for quite a long time. However, without consuming water in one form or another, a person can live no more than 3 days. In a healthy person, the proportion of water is 2/3 of body weight. The slightest decrease in the percentage of water in the body entails dangerous pathological conditions, since the cell is not able to function normally in solutions with high viscosity.

Homeostasis is a complex system for maintaining the balance of biochemical processes in the body. And, above all, this concerns ensuring the consistency of exchange, volumes and qualitative composition of liquids. Violation of homeostasis inevitably leads to disruptions in the functioning of all organs and systems.

Fluids in the human body exist in three main states:
1. In the form of blood circulating in the vascular bed.
2. As intercellular fluid , filling the intercellular space.
3. As intracellular fluid (cytosol) , which contains all the organelles of a living cell.

At the cellular level, water plays a vital role - it is a nutrient medium for cells.

The human body, which does not experience water deficiency, contains on average 94% water. The cell, meanwhile, contains up to 75% water. Due to this difference, osmotic pressure occurs, causing fluid to enter the cells.

Regulation of the volume and electrolyte structure of body fluids is carried out by neuroendocrine and renal control systems. A stable balance of osmotic pressure of blood, intercellular and intracellular fluids is one of the key factors ensuring the normal functioning of cells.

The body's need for water

By the age of 70, the ratio of intracellular and intercellular fluid decreases - from 1.1 to 0.8. In other words, the loss of cytosol negatively affects the efficiency of cells. This is why you should not bring your body to a state of thirst - doctors recommend drinking water more often. After all, water is a nutrient medium for cells, and dehydrated cells, like dry skin, are not able to function fully.

After restoring the normal volume of urine output, potassium levels in the body are corrected by intravenous infusion of 0.3-0.5% potassium chloride solution. The amount of potassium required is calculated using the following formula:

n = (KN - KF) * M * 0.4

Where:
n – amount of potassium intended for administration (millimoles);
KN – normal amount of potassium in plasma (millimoles per liter);
KF – actual amount of potassium in blood plasma (millimoles per liter);
M – body weight (kg)

In young children with severe dehydration, the volume of ongoing fluid loss with diarrhea, vomiting and fever is calculated by calculating the weight of dry and then used diapers. Then, in accordance with the data obtained, the volume of injected solutions is adjusted.

Often there is a need for additional fluid administration:

• with continuous vomiting and stool – 20-30 ml per 1 kg;
• for oligoanuria – 30 ml per 1 kg;
• with hyperthermia above 37 degrees and a respiratory rate of more than 10 inhalations and exhalations above normal - an additional 10 ml per 1 kg.

Assessing the effectiveness of rehydration

• improvement of the patient's condition;
• reduction of symptoms of dehydration;
• restoration of body weight;
• slowing down or stopping pathological fluid losses;
• normalization of urine output.

Drugs prescribed for dehydration

Due to the risk of excessive sodium infusion, intravenous infusion of sodium solutions (Ringer-Locke solution, etc.), with a 5-10% dextrose solution. Infusion of solutions such as Acesol requires strict supervision by the attending physician.

The predominance of saline and dextrose solutions in the infused liquid is determined by the type of dehydration (the predominance of water or electrolyte deficiency). However, in children 1-3 years old they are often prepared in equal proportions (1:1), and in some cases with a predominance of dextrose (1:2).

Skin dehydration

What is skin dehydration?

Causes of skin dehydration

• skin diseases;
• pathologies of internal organs (infectious, hormonal, gastrointestinal, diseases of the genitourinary system, etc.);
• negative environmental influences (ultraviolet radiation, low air temperature, wind, dust, insufficient air humidity, chemical agents);
• Unbalanced diet and unhealthy lifestyle (excessive drinking, lack of sleep, stress, deficiency of vitamins and microelements, etc.).

Is your skin dehydrated?

How to deal with skin dehydration?

Moisturizers should include a number of important components:

• vitamin B 5 - moisturizes and nourishes the skin;
• Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant;
• hyaluronate – aliphatic acid of plant or animal origin;
• glycerol;
• a number of natural oils (jojoba oil, American Persea oil, peanut oil, etc.);
• acetone;
• allantoin;
• liposomes.

There is also an excellent method of moisturizing the skin - rubbing with ice. This procedure should be done 2 times a day - morning and evening. Ice may contain infusions of medicinal herbs or mineral water. After treatment, do not wipe your face; the water should dry on its own.

Additional skin nutrition plays an important role. At least once every 7-8 days, make a mask that suits your skin type. A nourishing mask supplies the skin with vitamins, which triggers the processes of its natural regeneration and hydration. Moisturizing masks protect the skin from drying out and premature aging.