Our bodies rely on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the human body needs water to function the way it should. Some of the things your body needs water for include regulating an average temperature, removing waste materials and lubricating your joints. It's also important for your overall health. With all that in mind, it's no wonder our expert GP home doctor service in Costa del Sol is keen to ensure everyone drinks enough water and understands why it's essential.
Path to Improved Wellness
You should aim to drink about six to eight glasses of water every day. However, our expert GP home doctor service in Costa del Sol think it's important that you understand that different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Most healthy people can stay well hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty rather than sticking to a regimented routine or goal. For some of these people, fewer than eight glasses may be enough. Other people may need more than eight glasses each day, particularly if they're fighting an illness.
If you're concerned that you aren't drinking enough water, check your urine. Your urine is an excellent indicator of how hydrated you are at any given moment. If your urine is colourless or light yellow, you're well hydrated. If your urine is a dark yellow or amber colour, you may be dehydrated and should aim to drink more water.
Our expert GP home doctor service in Costa del Sol recommend water as the best fluid to help improve your hydration. However, you can choose other drinks such as fruit juices, milk and herbal teas to add water and extra calories from sugar to your diet. Even caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee and sodas can contribute to your daily water intake.
However, it's best to limit your intake of caffeinated drinks as this can make you dehydrated or leave you feeling anxious.
Symptoms
Thirst isn't always a reliable early indicator of the body's need for water.
Plus, the signs and symptoms of dehydration also may differ by age.
Infants or Young Children
- Dry mouth and tongue
- No tears when crying
- No urination for three hours
- Sunken eyes, cheeks
- Sunken soft spot on top of the skull
- Listlessness or irritability.
Adults
- Extreme thirst
- In-frequent urination
- Dark-coloured urine
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Confusion.
Complications
Dehydration can lead to severe complications if it isn't treated quickly. These can include:
Heat stroke - If you don't drink enough fluids when you're exercising vigorously or sweating heavily, you may end up with a heat stroke.
Urinary and kidney problems - Prolonged or repeated bouts of dehydration can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones and even kidney failure.
Seizures - Electrolytes help carry electrical signals around your body. If your electrolytes are out of balance, it can lead to involuntary muscle contractions and sometimes to a loss of consciousness.
Low blood volume shock - This is one of the most severe complications of dehydration. In some cases, it can be life-threatening. It's caused by a drop in your blood pressure and the amount of oxygen in your body.
For more help and advice from our expert GP home doctor service in Costa del Sol, get in touch today to find out about our membership options.