Our bodies are composed of three-quarters water. Dehydration means your body does not have enough water for it to function correctly. You lose water when you sweat, breathe, urinate, defecate, blow your nose, have diarrhea, or throw up. To make up for the water you lose, you must hydrate your body by eating and drinking.

Who Gets Dehydrated?

Chances are you are dehydrated right now and you do not even know it! Everyone gets dehydrated, even babies and teenagers. Babies get dehydrated in part because their thirst mechanism is not fully developed. Even in the teen years, symptoms of adequate hydration may already be present and hydration can be a problem. Athletes and anyone engaging in a regular exercise routine are also prone to becoming dehydrated.

What are the Symptoms of Dehydration?

Signs of dehydration are many. Energy loss is usually the first sign of dehydration because the cells of the body lose water first. Water is a primary driving force of energy production inside the

cells, so even a little water loss causes a big drop in energy. Some say that for every one percent drop of water inside your cells energy production is cut by 10%.

Other symptoms of dehydration include:

fatigue,

moodiness,

a drained feeling,

noticeable thirst,

headaches,

feeling lightheaded or dizzy,

rapid heartbeat,

dry lips and mouth,

wrinkles and sagging skin,

infrequent urination,

a dark colored or strong smelling urine,

digestive problems,

constipation,

allergies

Dehydration is the Source of Serious Health Problems

Many researchers have suggested that dehydration is at the core of serious health problems. Some researchers even suggest that water can aid in the cure of arthritis, back pain, angina, migraines, colitis, asthma, high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes, high cholesterol, metabolism problems, weight loss, kidney probolems, joint problems, lower back problems, morning sickness, heartburn, arthritis, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, loss of libido as well as a host of other chronic and/or degenerative diseases. Some health care researchers believe that that chronic health problems are caused by dehydration.

What is the bottom line? Consult with your doctor about your health problems. When your doctor tells you that all things considered, you need to drink more water, you have a choice. You can respond by thinking to yourself, "I already know this. I paid you money to give me this advice." Or, you can respond by thanking your doctor for the best advice you have ever been given.