I- What are the benefits of good hydration?

Two-thirds of the body is composed of water. This means that for a person weighing approximately 70 kilograms, the human body contains about 46 liters of water. Nearly 70% of this water is contained within the cells, 20% in the space surrounding the cells, and slightly less than 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 fluid per day (about 8 glasses of water) to maintain your fluid balance and protect yourself against certain complications, such as the formation of kidney stones.

Furthermore, water improves your concentration and memory. Indeed, thanks to water, the nervous system creates connections and enhances our mental and cognitive abilities. Our brain can then work more efficiently, stimulating our memory and neurons.

Drinking water helps flush out toxins and accelerate cell renewal, which boosts blood circulation and promotes healthy bodily functions. Poor circulation and circulatory systems can lead to illness and contribute to 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 a disease in the strict sense; it is a physiological state with varying degrees of severity. This physiological state results from a significant decrease in the body's fluids. Dehydration can be caused by malnutrition, severe diarrhea, or heat, particularly in summer. The fluid, present in lower than normal quantities in cases of dehydration, consists primarily of water and mineral salts.

Dehydration can affect anyone, but special attention should be paid to 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.

Dehydration can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, or where they live. However, the elderly, as well as children and infants, require particular attention. Indeed, the elderly sometimes have more difficulty staying hydrated, especially during periods of intense heat. For children, whose growth is still underway, the consequences of dehydration are more serious than for adults. Therefore, promoting hydration in these groups is essential.

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

To avoid worsening dehydration, it is important to maintain adequate hydration, approximately 1.5 L of water per day.

Symptoms of dehydration:

Dehydration can be identified through certain specific signs, including:

• less frequent urination;
• the absence of tears;
• Dry mouth, dry tongue, dry lips and skin;
• a "greyish" skin;
• a sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the infant's skull);
• Diarrhea and vomiting are the most obvious signs.

Other symptoms may also accompany this diarrheal condition: fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or 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

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

Test 2. Urine change

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

How can this be remedied?

If dehydration is mild, simply drinking plain water may be sufficient. However, if there has been a loss of water and electrolytes, it is also necessary to replace salts (particularly sodium and potassium). A number of commercial drinks are available that have been formulated to replace salts ( electrolytes ) lost during strenuous exercise or illness.

Hydratis offers these kinds of life-saving drinks. By consuming these drinks, you can prevent dehydration or treat mild dehydration. The process is very simple: just drop the effervescent tablets into a large glass of water and drink it. This can be done up to two or three times a day, as needed, to optimize hydration.

Drinking plenty of fluids and taking a little extra salt during or after exercise or while ill will also be helpful. If dehydration worsens and blood pressure drops low enough to cause shock or near-shock, it is an emergency 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, medication to treat or stop the diarrhea may also be necessary. Once the cause of the 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 working properly when you drink normal amounts of fluids.

If a child shows symptoms of dehydration, a health professional should be contacted immediately.

To prevent dehydration, it is essential to drink plenty of water, or alternative fluids, when conditions are conducive to dehydration (e.g., hot, humid, or cold weather, high altitude, strenuous physical activity). 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 (approximately 8 glasses) of fluids daily.