According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, your body is made up of 60 percent of water. This is because water is necessary to support healthy functioning of muscles and organs. When you don't have enough fluids, you experience a condition called dehydration. Understanding the signs of dehydration can help you determine what steps should be taken to prevent or treat it.
How Much Water is Needed?
The Mayo Clinic states that most adults should consume 64 oz. of water each day to ensure adequate hydration. This is a minimum amount, which means that if you are already dehydrated, suffering from an illness or are engaging in a physical activity that makes you sweat, you will need to increase your water intake. Ask your physician if this amount is appropriate for your individual health status.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are salts in the body that conduct electricity. They are needed to support healthy heart, muscle and tissue functioning. Electrolytes are naturally lost when you sweat. When you become severely dehydrated, your body's supply of electrolytes is significantly diminished. In addition, electrolytes affect the amount of water the body retains, so their presence is necessary.
Illnesses Affect the Amount of Electrolytes in the Body
In addition to sweat, electrolytes can be lost when you are ill. Illnesses such as a cold or the flu can cause dehydration. This is because electrolytes may be lost when you vomit, urinate or even breathe. Diarrhea can lead to dangerous dehydration acccompanied by electrolyte loss. These electrolytes need to be replaced.
Steps To Increase Hydration and Electrolyte Intake
Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water is the first step to achieving hydration. You should also try to drink an additional 1 to 2 cups whenever possible. Drinking additional water is important when you are exercising or exposed to extreme weather conditions. However, drinking a beverage fortified with electrolytes can help to replenish lost electrolytes, which cannot be achieved with water alone. However, beware of the amount of sugar and sodium contained in these drinks.
