I- What are the benefits of good hydration?

Two-thirds of the body is composed of water. This means that for a body weight of approximately 70 kilos, the human body contains approximately 46 liters of water. Nearly 70% of the water is contained within the cells, 20% in the space surrounding the cells, and just under 10% in the bloodstream. Water is essential for maintaining the body's health.

When the amount of water consumed matches the amount excreted, the body's water reserves are well balanced. If you are healthy and do not sweat excessively, you should drink at least 2 to 3 liters of fluids per day (about 8 glasses of water) to maintain your fluid balance and protect yourself from certain complications, such as the formation of kidney stones.

Water also improves your concentration and memory. Water helps the nervous system create connections and improve our mental and cognitive abilities. This allows our brain to work more efficiently and stimulate our memory and neurons.

Drinking water helps flush out toxins and accelerate cell renewal, which boosts blood circulation and healthy metabolism in the body. Poor metabolism and poor circulation are vectors of disease and promote the appearance of cellulite. Water helps prevent this!

II- What are the signs of dehydration?

Dehydration:

Dehydration can occur when the body's water supply is insufficient.

Dehydration is not strictly speaking a "disease," but a physiological condition with more or less significant consequences. This physiological condition results from a significant decrease in fluid within the body. Dehydration can be due to malnutrition, severe diarrhea, or heat, especially in summer. This fluid, in a lower than normal quantity, in the case of dehydration, is mainly composed of water and mineral salts.

Dehydration can affect anyone, but special care should be taken with young children and the elderly .

Causes of dehydration

Diarrhea , the main consequence of dehydration, is caused by:

● a lack of hygiene;

● malnutrition, particularly with regard to “water-rich” foods;

● contact and/or hydration with contaminated water.

This state of dehydration can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or even where they live. However, the elderly, as well as children and infants, are categories of people to be considered with greater attention. Indeed, when it comes to the elderly, they sometimes have more difficulty hydrating regularly, especially during periods of extreme heat. As for children, during the growth period, the consequences of dehydration are more serious than in adults. In this sense, promoting hydration in these categories of people is essential.

When diarrhea is not treated immediately, it can be dangerous. Indeed, the loss of water and mineral salts can have significant consequences on the body's functioning (vital organs, muscles, brain, etc.), especially in growing children or elderly people whose bodies are weakened.

To avoid worsening dehydration, it is important to continue to drink plenty of water, i.e. around 1.5 litres of water per day.

Symptoms of dehydration:

Dehydration is evident through certain specific signs, including:

● less need to urinate;

● the absence of tears;

● Dry mouth, dry tongue, dry lips and skin;

● “grayish” skin;

● a depression in the fontanelle (soft part of the infant's skull);

Diarrhea and vomiting are the most demonstrative signs.

Other symptoms may also accompany this diarrheal condition: fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach aches or even abdominal cramps.

The presence of blood in the stool indicates significant dehydration; this is the most alarming condition.

Tests to perform to diagnose dehydration:

Test 1. Pinch the skin

Lack of hydration affects the skin's texture and elasticity. It is composed of approximately 30% water. To determine if the skin contains enough fluid, pinch the skin on the back of your hand between your thumb and forefinger. If the skin springs back into place immediately afterward, this indicates sufficient moisture and elasticity. If it takes half a second or more for the skin to return to its original shape, it may be a sign of dehydration. When the body detects a lack of water, it is withdrawn from the skin to allow other organs to function. This makes the skin stiff and can make it feel cool and clammy.

Test 2. Change in urine

Another warning sign is urine. For example, its color already tells you a lot about your body's hydration status. Dark or honey-colored urine is a sign of possible dehydration. Urine consists of both water and waste products that need to be eliminated from the body. In a well-hydrated body, urine turns pale yellow and is odorless. Infrequent urination can also indicate dehydration.

How to fix this?

If dehydration is mild, simply drinking plain water may be sufficient. However, if there has been a loss of water and electrolytes, salts (especially sodium and potassium) must also be replaced. There are several commercial drinks available that have been formulated to help replace salts ( electrolytes ) lost during vigorous exercise or illness.

Hydratis offers this type of life-saving drink. By consuming these drinks, you can prevent dehydration or treat mild dehydration. The process is very simple: simply add the effervescent tablets to a large glass of water and drink it. This can be done up to 2 or 3 times a day as needed to optimize hydration.

Drinking plenty of fluids and taking a little extra salt during or after exercise or during illness will also be helpful. If dehydration worsens and blood pressure drops enough to cause shock or near shock, then this is an emergency situation requiring immediate medical attention. In such a serious case, an intravenous solution containing sodium chloride may be administered.

The underlying cause of dehydration should always be treated. For example, if diarrhea is the cause, medications that treat or stop diarrhea may also be necessary. Once the cause of dehydration is treated, you will need to be monitored to ensure you are drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated. Your doctor may test your kidney function to ensure your kidneys are functioning properly when you are taking normal amounts of fluids.

If a child experiences symptoms of dehydration, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

To prevent dehydration, drink enough water or fluid replacement products when conditions are conducive to dehydration (e.g., hot, humid, or cold weather, high altitude, vigorous physical exertion). It is also important to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, which accelerate dehydration by increasing urine output. It is recommended to consume 2 to 3 liters (about 8 glasses) of fluids every day.