Though warm temperatures and lots of sunshine are nice, that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind. Heat and sun exposure can lead to health risks, dehydration among them.
If you get dehydrated, it’s not something to ignore. Left untreated, dehydration might prove dangerous.
What’s dehydration?
Water makes up, on average, about 60 percent of the human body. Therefore, humans must regularly supply their bodies with sufficient fluids. When fluid in your body drops to an insufficient level, dehydration occurs. More or less, it happens because more fluid leaves the body than you take in.
Why does dehydration happen?
Our bodies dehydrate for a variety of reasons. Illnesses like diarrhea and the flu might cause the issue.
Even our daily routine causes us to lose fluid. Consuming alcohol, for example, might cause the problem. Sweating and heat exposure leads to fluid loss, too. Therefore, if you spend a lot of time in the hot sun this summer, this might raise your risk of dehydration. You have to replace lost fluid, or else you run the risks of injury or illness.
Harmful Effects of Dehydration
Dehydration is more than thirst. It’s a loss of your body’s vital fluids, most of which help your organs sustain themselves. If you let yourself become dehydrated, you run the risk of
- Organ failure, particularly in the urinary and renal systems
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Seizures
- Heat stroke
- Low blood pressure or blood volume, dizziness
- Certain instances of cognitive impairment
Preventing Dehydration
There are steps you can take to treat this condition before it becomes serious.
- Drink water and other clear liquids regularly.
- Eat a diet that provides water-containing foods, like fruits and vegetables.
- Replace any lost fluids following strenuous exercise.
- If you have a chronic condition that might make you susceptible to dehydration, talk to your doctor. They can likely provide you with tips on how to manage your fluid intake.
- Should you get sick, increase your fluid intake. It can help you to keep up with side effects like fevers, diarrhea and more.
At times, you might even need hospitalization should the condition become particularly severe. The good news is, your health insurance can likely help you afford medical care. So, if you notice symptoms, don’t ignore dehydration. It’s something you can likely avoid with a little care and attention.