General dehydration can occur just about anywhere and with anyone. Although young children, elderly people, or ill people are most likely to be affected, we all lose water each day through urination, perspiration and respiration. Dehydration occurs when more fluid is lost from the body than is taken in. When we do not consume enough drinking water we do not replace what we have lost, which then has devastating effects on our bodies and our minds. Rehydration is the key to avoiding all of the health concerns of dehydration. However, studies show that by the time thirst is felt, we have already lost 1-2% of body weight in water and mental performance, memory, attention and concentration could diminish by 10%.
According to an informational article from diet.com, there are many levels and symptoms of dehydration important to recognize. Of course thirst, less frequent urination, dry skin, fatigue, light-headedness, and darkened urine are all tell-tale signs. Dehydration can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild dehydration occurs when fluid losses equal 3– 5%. At this point, the thirst sensation is felt, and is often accompanied by dry mouth and thick saliva. Signs of moderate dehydration include intense thirst, severely reduced urine production, sunken eyes, headache, dizziness, irritability, and decreased activity. Severe dehydration occurs when fluid losses are 10% or more of their body weight. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency for individuals of any age. A loss of fluids equaling 20% of a person’s body weight is fatal. Signs of severe dehydration include all those of moderate dehydration as well as lack of sweating, little or no urine production, dry skin that has little elasticity, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever, delirium, or coma.
Where we live and how we live also matters. The amount of water a person needs to prevent dehydration varies widely depending on the individual’s age, weight, level of physical activity, and the environmental temperature. Drinking more water, but safe water, is one of the easiest ways to avoid the health issues linked to dehydration. About 80% of the water the average person needs is replaced by drinking liquids and water is by far your best choice. Our water filters help to provide water that tastes great and is safer. You don’t want to offset good drinking habits with bad water. Drinking water systems like ours use LINX® technology which wastes up to 90% less water than traditional reverse osmosis systems and are available in a number of systems including under the sink drinking water systems and water coolers, making them ideal for any size household with any demand on water supply. More water is important for your health, but so is the quality of your water. Removing harmful contaminants from the tap water you drink is one more advantage of our drinking water systems and will also provide one more reason to drink water and rehydrate properly!