I- What are the benefits of good hydration?

Two-thirds of the body is made up of water. This means that for a weight of about 70 kilograms, the human body contains approximately 46 liters of water. Nearly 70% of water is contained within cells, 20% in the space surrounding 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 liquids 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.

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

Drinking water helps flush out toxins and accelerate cell renewal, which boosts blood circulation and good exchanges in the body. Poor exchanges and poor blood 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 "a disease" strictly speaking; it is a physiological state with more or less significant consequences. This physiological state results from a significant decrease in fluid within the body. Dehydration can be due to malnutrition, severe diarrhea, or because of heat, especially in summer. This liquid, in quantities lower than normal, in the case of dehydration, consists essentially of water and mineral salts.

Dehydration can affect everyone, but special attention should be paid to young children as well as the elderly.

Causes of dehydration

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

• lack of hygiene;
• malnutrition, especially concerning "water-rich" foods;
• contact and/or hydration with contaminated water.

This state of dehydration can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, or place of residence. Nevertheless, the elderly, as well as children and infants, are categories of people who require more attention. Indeed, for the elderly, it is sometimes harder to hydrate regularly, especially during periods of high heat. For children, during growth, 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 become dangerous. Indeed, water loss and mineral salts can lead to significant consequences in the functioning of the body (vital organs, muscles, brain, etc.), and even more so in growing children or the elderly, whose bodies are weakened.

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

Symptoms of dehydration:

Dehydration manifests through certain specific signs, including:

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

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

The presence of blood in the stool indicates significant dehydration, which is the most alarming state.

Tests to perform to diagnose dehydration:

Test 1. Pinch the skin

Lack of hydration affects the texture and elasticity of the skin. It is composed of about 30% water. To determine if the skin contains enough fluid, pinch the skin on the back of your hand, between the thumb and forefinger. If the skin returns to its 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, this may be a sign of dehydration. When the body detects a shortage of water, it is drawn from the skin to allow other organs to function. This makes the skin stiff and can make it feel cool and clammy.

Test 2. Urine changes

Another warning sign is urine. For example, its color already says 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 by the body. In a well-hydrated body, urine becomes pale yellow and is odorless. Infrequent urination can also indicate dehydration.

How to remedy it?

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

Hydratis offers these life-saving drinks. By consuming these drinks, dehydration can be prevented or mild dehydration treated. The process is very simple: just put the effervescent tablets into a large glass of water and then drink it. This should 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 effective. If dehydration worsens and blood pressure drops enough to cause shock or near-shock, it is an emergency situation requiring immediate medical attention. In such a severe 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, taking medication that treats or stops diarrhea might also be necessary. Once the cause of dehydration is treated, you will need to be monitored to ensure you drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. Your doctor might study your kidney function to ensure your kidneys are working adequately when you consume normal amounts of fluids.

If symptoms of dehydration are present in a child, a healthcare professional should be contacted immediately.

To prevent dehydration, it is important to 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 beverages or those containing caffeine, which accelerate dehydration by increasing urine output. It is recommended to consume 2 to 3 liters (about 8 glasses) of liquids daily.