The majority of people have a good understanding of the significance of drinking enough water and the risks associated with becoming dehydrated. However, the recommendations of health professionals should be taken especially seriously by some categories of individuals. This is due to the fact that some individuals, as well as others who are in particular circumstances, are more susceptible to the effects of dehydration. These individuals are:
The senior citizens
As we get older, many different changes take place in our body. Because of some of these changes, we become more prone to becoming dehydrated: our systems are unable to conserve water as effectively as they once did; our sense of thirst becomes less pronounced; and our bodies’ ability to respond to changes in temperature is reduced. It is of the utmost importance to maintain an appropriate level of hydration, in particular for people who simultaneously suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes.
If you are responsible for the care of an elderly person, it is essential that you remind them to drink water on a consistent basis. Individuals who are older have a tendency to consume less food and drink than younger people, despite the fact that they require the nutrients and water even more than those who are half their age.
People who are ill
Dehydration can occur not just when an insufficient amount of fluids are consumed, but also when the body loses fluids at a rate that is greater than the rate at which they are restored. When someone is sick with vomiting and diarrhoea, it is quite easy for them to dehydrate themselves. The fact that the last thing we want to do right now is consume anything, including water or food, is not helping the situation. However, in order to avoid being dehydrated, it is necessary to frequently consume a few drops or sips of water.
Athletes that compete over longer distances
Endurance athletes compete in events that exert a significant amount of strain on their bodies. In order to be able to match the physical demands that are placed on their bodies, endurance athletes train extremely diligently. They worked out and exerted themselves for a considerable number of hours in total. Most of these hours happen outdoors, often in warm or humid conditions, which leads to fluids being lost more quickly than normal. If the fluids aren’t replaced, the effects of dehydration could be felt even days after a training session or event.
Newborns and younger children
Infants and small children are more active than the parents who sit at desks all day, but younger children do not yet understand how important it is to drink enough water to keep themselves hydrated. Because of this, it is quite easy for youngsters to become dehydrated simply due to the fact that they do not drink water as frequently as they should. Always encourage them to drink water, especially when they’re playing outside.
People living at high altitudes
High altitudes are taxing on our bodies, and our respiratory systems in particular. To keep on supplying enough oxygen to our cells, we’ll automatically start to breathe faster – this means an increase in the amount of water vapour exhaled. In addition, urination will become more frequent, as a reaction to changes in the body’s acid and base balance. This leads to more fluid loss, and thus an increase in the chance of dehydration occurring.
If the signs of dehydration appear – dizziness, a dry mouth, headaches, tiredness and/or decreased urine production – water must be ingested immediately, and all physical exertions should be stopped. If dehydration is severe, go to the nearest hospital so that the condition can be treated professionally.
A quick tip to staying hydrated: keep a glass next to your bottled water cooler and every time you walk passed it, have a glass of water. This will ensure that you need put yourself at risk of becoming dehydrated.
