Dehydration is a condition that can range in seriousness from mild thirst to coma or death. Situations that cause your body to lose excess fluid can cause a depletion of electrolytes and carbohydrates, leading to a variety of symptoms. Although consuming fluid is the primary element in alleviating dehydration, both glucose and sodium play important roles in rehydrating your body tissues and cells.
Dehydration
Excessive sweating is a common cause of dehydration. Intense vomiting and dehydration may also increase your risk of dehydration. This condition often causes mild symptoms, such as dry mouth, sleepiness, headache, constipation, thirst and lightheadedness. Serious symptoms of severe dehydration can cause extreme thirst, lack of sweating, shriveled skin, rapid heartbeat, fever and lack of consciousness. Consuming sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions can help to replace the electrolytes lost through sweating, as well as replenish the carbohydrates necessary for energy. If pre-formulated solutions are not available, MayoClinic.com advises you make your own rehydration solution by mixing 6 tbsp. of sugar and 1/2 tsp. of salt with 1 liter of water.
Sodium
Heavy sweating that causes your body to lose fluids also depletes your body of electrolytes, such as sodium. Sports drinks contain sodium to help your body maintain a proper pH balance and promote water retention within your cells. While the amount of salt in rehydration solutions can help restore a proper electrolyte balance, consuming too much salt in the form of salt tablets may cause excessive amounts of sodium in your body, a situation that may leave your muscles feeling weak.
Glucose
Glucose is an easy carbohydrate for your body to digest and absorb quickly. Carbohydrates can help to rehydrate your tissues by storing about 3 g of water for each 1 g of carbohydrate. As part of a rehydration beverage, glucose encourages your cells to store fluid and provides the fuel necessary for quick energy.
Precautions
Although most cases of dehydration are generally mild, the failure to replenish missing fluids can quickly escalate into an emergency situation. Severe dehydration requires prompt medical treatment. Children, older adults and people with chronic illness are at a higher risk of dehydration. You may also be more likely to experience dehydration if you are an endurance athlete, live at a high altitude or work outside in hot, humid weather. Seek emergency medical help if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of severe dehydration. This condition may lead to kidney failure, seizures, coma or death.
