Causes & Symptoms Of Water Deficiency In Human Body #health
Causes & Symptoms Of Water Deficiency In Human Body
Did you know water can do all that for your body? Amazing!! More info water uses: Water (H2O) is one of the most important chemical substances required for the survival of all the living creatures on earth. It is a part of all the body tissues and body fluids including blood, urine, saliva, sweat, cerebrospinal fluid, gastric juices, pancreatic juices etc. 70% of the human body is comprised of water, 82% of blood is water; 70% of the brain and 90% of the lungs are nothing but water. In fact, it is believed that the origin of life on earth started from water. Water is necessary for almost all the body functions and activities.
Deficiency of water is also termed as dehydration
Did you know water can do all that for your body? Amazing!! More info water uses: Water (H2O) is one of the most important chemical substances required for the survival of all the living creatures on earth. It is a part of all the body tissues and body fluids including blood, urine, saliva, sweat, cerebrospinal fluid, gastric juices, pancreatic juices etc. 70% of the human body is comprised of water, 82% of blood is water; 70% of the brain and 90% of the lungs are nothing but water. In fact, it is believed that the origin of life on earth started from water. Water is necessary for almost all the body functions and activities.
Functions :
- Blood in animals and sap in plants is composed mainly of water
- Our bodies require about 1.5-2 litres of water daily, the requirement increases in summer
- Helps in regulating body temperature
- Moistens the body tissues (e.g. mouth, eyes, nose etc.)
- Detoxification of waste products by flushing them out through the kidneys and liver
- Important source of transport in the form of blood for various nutrients and oxygen
- Dissolves various soluble nutrients and minerals to aid their absorption and digestion
- Aids in preventing constipation
Dietary Requirements:
- The daily intake/requirement of water is based on various factors like: weight, physical activity, illness, if any, and environmental conditions
- In cases where intake of water is less than the daily requirement, the body starts conserving water and urine output decreases
- Adult human body normally requires 2- 2.5 litres of water out of which 1 litre is directly gained from food and the remaining 1.5 litre has to be drunk
Causes Of Water Deficiency In Human Body:
- Excessive blood loss
- Profuse diarrhea and vomiting
- Hyperthermia
- Shock
- Burns
- Prolonged dry air exposure
- Malnutrition
- Certain diseases like cholera, yellow fever, etc.
- Electrolytic imbalance
- Fasting
- Certain drugs like amphetamine, methamphetamine, etc.
Deficiency Symptoms and Signs:
Deficiency of water is also termed as dehydration
- Kidney stones
- Digestive disorders
- Constipation
- Anal fissures
- Low blood pressure
- Weak heart
- Dry skin
- Increase in body temperature
- Decreased urine volume
- Drowsiness
- Lack of appetite
- Headache and nausea
- Fainting
- Prolonged physical activity with reduced water intake
Toxicity:
- Excess intake of water beyond your requirement can increase the blood volume, and thereby, burden the cardiovascular system to pump and circulate this excess volume of blood
- Kidneys have to struggle to flush out the excess of water in the form of urine
- Electrolytic imbalance leads to seepage of water from the diluted blood into the cells, which can cause swelling and oedema of cells in any organ like brain, lungs, etc.
Some Interesting Facts:
- The body can store water but only in a limited quantity. For the optimal functioning of the body, water losses from urine, stool, sweat etc. needs to be replenished on daily basis
- An average person should consume 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Other liquids such as juices, milk, beverages etc. can help adding to the fluid intake
- Too sweet and high caffeinated beverages are not a good choice as they can lead to increased urination
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