Part One of a clinical nutritionist’s look at one of the leading cause of fatigue in everybody, and what you should do about it.
What single substance is responsible for covering 70% of the earth AND making up 70% of the human body? That’s right, it’s good old H2O (good thing you read the title, eh?). So it’s everywhere! It’s got to be important. And it is! There is a reason why more than half of your body is made up of this stuff. Water is essential for carrying out many different functions needed to keep your body alive, a few of which are: maintaining correct core body temperature via perspiration, maintaining proper blood pressure, essential in eliminating waste, keeping your blood flowing and delivering oxygen to your cells, and digestion. Without water, the average human body will not last more than two to three days (we can go a couple of weeks without food). Hence, this literal elixir of life is an essential component to healthy living. In this three part series, we will be delving into the liquid that most people take for granted: water. We will explore why you need to stay hydrated, how to stay hydrated, and what kinds of crazy water container contraptions there are! But first, let’s start off with dehydration.
Dehydration is essentially a massive loss of water and electrolytes that will prevent your cells from functioning normally. And sadly, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. And a lot of the time we don't know it and we mistake thirst for hunger. So the next time you feel the need for cookies late at night, try drinking a glass of water first. If you’re still hungry afterwards, then you can go for the cookies (or some carrot sticks).
One of the main causes of daytime fatigue and migraines is dehydration and it can be treated quickly and simply by rehydrating yourself. So the next time you feel a headache/migraine or suddenly become extremely tired, try gulping down a glass of water.
Other symptoms of dehydration include muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, decreased urine output and perspiration, halting of tear production, lightheadedness, and headache. Severe dehydration can lead to confusion, decrease in skin elasticity, low blood pressure, increased cardiac output and even delirium and eventually coma. These serious symptoms from dehydration can occur easily, especially in those doing intense exercise.
But on the flipside, there is such a thing as TOO much water. Also called hyponatremia, it occurs when you drink too much water, diluting the electrolyte concentration in your body leading to dangerously low concentrations of sodium in the blood leading to cell malfunctions. Although not as common as dehydration, this form of over hydration can also appear in hard working athletes (especially endurance runners). The common symptoms of over hydration would be swellings, nausea, and dizziness.
So drink water, but drink optimally.
http://www.extremenutrition.co.uk/news_and_articles/understanding-importance-hydration.php
http://www.medicinenet.com/dehydration/page2.htm
Jessica Kim – A clinical nutritionist and aspiring dietician, Jessica spends most of her time doing rounds as a nutritionist in a hospital setting. Her passion for writing and health translate into a unique clinical perspective on health topics. Jessica has no problem pointing out where fitness enthusiasts take a single research study to the extreme, by reminding us of sound clinical advice! Jessica can be reached at jessicakim@mklaboratory.com