Water Benefits Health News, Issue #18

June 10, 2013

Hello, Water Friend,

Since the temperature here in Phoenix, Arizona, has been in the triple digits for the past week, frequent TV news reports have reminded us to stay hydrated to avoid heat stroke and other acute symptoms of dehydration.

If you live in a cooler climate, you might be thinking you have nothing to worry about. However, it is possible in any climate (even the most frigid) to get overheated from intense or prolonged exercise and experience excessive water loss.

Thus, it is a good idea to know the symptoms of heat stroke and dehydration and understand what to do to prevent them. You can read about them in our feature article “Heat Stroke and Dehydration – How to Prevent Them.”

The dehydration effects of water loss in the human body are significant. Every single function in the body is dependent on water. Excessive water loss can be life threatening

Babies and small children are at higher risk for acute dehydration because of their smaller size and higher turnover of water and electrolytes. Thus, it is especially important for parents, grandparents and caretakers to know the signs and symptoms.

Elderly adults and people with illnesses or chronic diseases are also more susceptible, and may need frequent reminders to drink more water.

In addition, water loss is always accompanied by electrolyte loss. Both water and electrolytes (electrically charged minerals) are critical for proper hydration.

Be sure to check out our article in this issue about Electrolyte Enhanced Water to find our Homemade Electrolyte Drink.

I hope you enjoy the summer—and stay hydrated with cool, clean filtered water!

To your health and wellness,

Nancy Hearn, CNC

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Heat Stroke and Dehydration – How to Prevent Them

Heat stroke is quite common, especially in warmer climates and seasons, and a common cause is dehydration.

We lose body water each day through sweat, urine, breathing, and stools, regardless of the climate. Dehydration occurs when we experience abnormal depletion of body fluids and/or a lack of water intake.

In addition, according to the Merck Manual, lost body fluids contain electrolytes (electrically charged minerals) in varying concentrations.

Thus, water loss is always accompanied by electrolyte loss. Both water and electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium) are critical for proper hydration.

Read more here . . .

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Related Articles

Dehydration Symptoms: Mild, Moderate and Severe

Electrolyte Enhanced Water – Its Definition, Usage and Benefits for Hydration

The Two Main Causes of Dehydration

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Nancy Hearn is a certified health and nutrition consultant, hydration specialist, fitness advisor, and freelance web writer. She is the author of WaterBenefitsHealth.com, 4TotalWellness.com, and AntiagingWisely.com and has published numerous health articles and eBooks.

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P.S. If you have a specific question about water or health, please let me know what you want me to write about. Contact me at nancy@waterbenefitshealth.com and mention the newsletter.