Dehydration Effects

Yet I have found that many people seem to think of dehydration as something that only happens on a rare occasion, such as from a severe illness.

Or perhaps we've watched a dehydrated runner in a marathon who hits the “wall” and collapses before the finish line.

Or we've read news about a lone hiker who gets stranded in the desert without food and water and experiences acute dehydration symptoms.

However, chronic dehydration is actually widespread in America and throughout the world. And most people have no idea that they are experiencing dehydration effects.

Abnormal Depletion of Fluids

So what is dehydration? Webster’s dictionary definition is “an abnormal depletion of body fluids.” It occurs when the amount of fluids which leave the body are greater than that which is taken in.

In addition, according to the Merck Manual, lost body fluids of all types contain electrolytes in varying concentrations. Thus, water loss is always accompanied by electrolyte loss. Both water and electrolytes are critical for proper hydration.

Babies and small children are at higher risk for dehydration effects 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.

Acute vs. Chronic

Acute water loss is the type that occurs within a short period of time and is primarily due to vomiting and diarrhea associated with illness, overexertion through exercise, or other uncommon situations that cause fluid deprivation or fluid loss.

Chronic dehydration is less noticeable and much more prevalent. It occurs when small amounts of water are not replaced in the body day after day.

When the body loses water over time, a number of things happen. According to Dr. Batmanghelidj, acclaimed author of Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, the body redistributes and regulates the amount of available water. In other words, the available water is rationed and used where most needed.

Water rationing allows the body to provide water for critical, life-sustaining functions. In the meantime, the less critical functions are put on hold.

Dr. Dave Carpenter, N.D., author of Change Your Water, Change Your Life, writes: “When cellular water is reduced during water rationing, each cell is required to limp along with less than the optimal amount of water. This results in symptoms that are sometimes mistaken for illness.”

For example, high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, allergies, digestive disorders and acid reflux are just a few of the conditions that are often an indication of water rationing in the body.

Water rationing and long-term dehydration effects are significant. Likewise, the health benefits of drinking water and adequate hydration are often miraculous.

Further reading . . .

See my feature article at NaturalNews.com on Dehydration and Allergies: 6 Simple Steps to Rehydrate Your Body

Dehydration Symptoms: Mild, Moderate, Severe

Twelve symptoms of Chronic Dehydration

Causes of Dehydration

Symptoms of Dehydration in Children

Susceptibility of Elderly People

Depression and Dehydration

Dehydration and Cancer Formation

Heat Stroke and Dehydration - How to Prevent Them


Return from Dehydration Effects to Water Benefits Health Home

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