Sip Your Way To Good Health
Did you know that the human body is primarily composed of water? Around 60 percent, in fact. Water is present in every cell. It is crucial for essential functions, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, waste removal and temperature regulation. This is precisely why proper hydration is a significant factor in both your overall well-being and your gastrointestinal health.
How Dehydration Works
Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you consume. It can result from excessive heat, vigorous exercise, insufficient fluid intake, vomiting or diarrhea, and certain medical conditions (often a combination of factors). This fluid loss can cause a range of signs and symptoms.
- Thirst
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Feeling weak
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth
If left unaddressed, dehydration can also lead to complications like heat exhaustion; urinary tract infections; constipation; kidney failure; and (in severe cases) even life-threatening seizures, shock or coma.
How Dehydration Affects Your Gastrointestinal Health
Water is essential for digestion. It helps break down food in the mouth (through saliva) and stomach, facilitates its movement through the digestive tract, and softens stool for elimination. Water is also the medium through which nutrients pass from the digestive tract into the bloodstream, making it crucial for effective nutrient absorption.
Dehydration can significantly disrupt all of those processes, leading to common digestive complaints like acid reflux, bloating and constipation. When dehydration becomes chronic, it can further negatively impact the health of the gut microbiome, impair nutrient absorption and increase inflammation in the gut. This can potentially contribute to more serious digestive disorders.
How To Stay Hydrated
The simplest way to maintain hydration is by drinking water regularly. Aim to take sips throughout the day, ideally before you even feel thirsty. When engaging in physical activity or exposed to high temperatures, remember to increase your fluid intake to replace water lost through sweating.
Additionally, choose your food and beverages wisely, especially during very hot or humid weather. Foods high in water content (like many fruits and vegetables) can significantly boost your hydration. Conversely, be mindful that caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks can actually dehydrate you.
When To Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Mild to moderate dehydration can typically be treated by drinking water, using rehydration salts and resting in a cool environment. If dehydration becomes severe, it can be life-threatening. Anyone experiencing the following symptoms requires immediate medical help:
- Excessive thirst
- Fast heart rate
- Shallow or rapid breathing
- Vomiting
- Weak pulse
- Confusion
- Lack of sweating
- Seizures
The team at GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C., treats multiple conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our board-certified physicians have more than 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 631-9121 or visit gis.md.