Hydration refers to the amount of fluid retained and used by the body. The Kendrick Fincher Hydration Foundation notes that the body is made up of 75 percent water, which is important for carrying nutrients and oxygen to all the cells. A hydrated body is one that has adequate fluid balance, with water being the primary source of healthy hydration. Dehydration involves a greater loss of fluids than what is taken into the body. Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages increase the chance of dehydration, as they have diuretic effects on the body.
Importance of Fluid Balance
Hydration, or proper fluid balance, impacts different systems in the body, with the kidneys serving a primary role in retention or excretion of fluids. Alcohol Health and Research World explains that cellular balance and function of the body is dependent upon a continuous supply of substances such as water and electrolytes. Excessive loss or retention of these substances changes how the body handles metabolism, blood pressure and hormone production. Excessive use of alcohol and caffeine alter the balance of fluids in the body, resulting in metabolic changes and reduced hydration levels.
Alcohol and Fluid Balance
MayoClinic.com notes that dehydration is likely to result with heavy alcohol use. Alcohol produces increased urine flow within 20 minutes of consumption, resulting in loss of fluids and electrolyte concentration, notes Alcohol Health and Research World. Electrolytes are essential nutrients; they include sodium, potassium and calcium. Alcohol causes hydration loss through release of an antidiuretic hormone, or vasopressin, which promotes fluid conservation in the kidneys. A decrease in this hormone causes a cascade of events leading to prevention of fluid absorption. A rising alcohol blood level disrupts the regulatory response of the antidiuretic hormone being secreted; therefore, an imbalance is created in the process of fluid retention and elimination.
Caffeine and Hydration
Caffeine is considered a central nervous system stimulant, which benefits individuals in gaining short-term energy and mental clarity. However, caffeine is also a diuretic, which is known to promote fluid elimination. Peak Performance explains that caffeine increases blood flow to the kidneys, depending on the amount used. The Coffee Science Information Centre notes that the concern of caffeine causing hydration problems has prompted several studies to determine if moderate use of the substance impairs urine production, kidney health and overall hydration.
Considerations
Excessive and chronic use of alcohol has more concrete clinical implications regarding hydration than caffeine has. Alcohol Health and Research World notes the extensive damage alcohol can cause to the kidneys and process of hydration. Dehydration based on the loss of fluids due to alcohol consumption is more readily confirmed from clinical studies than the health detriment claims of using caffeine. The Coffee Science Information Centre explains that caffeine is a diuretic; however, caffeine does not have the same dehydrating impact as alcohol. In the event of using either substance, the key is balancing use of water-only beverages, to prevent the chance of dehydration occurring, and limiting moderate to excessive use of alcohol or caffeine.
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