Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. If you don’t replace lost fluids, you will get dehydrated.

The most common cause of dehydration in young children is severe diarrhea and vomiting. Older adults naturally have a lower volume of water in their bodies and may have conditions or take medications that increase the risk of dehydration. This means that even minor illnesses, such as infections affecting the lungs or bladder, can result in dehydration in older adults.

Dehydration also can occur in any age group if you don’t drink enough water during hot weather — especially if you are exercising vigorously. We lose water every day through natural bodily functions, but dehydration occurs when we lose more bodily fluids than we’re taking in. 

Because humans are made up of mostly water and electrolytes, we need to maintain the proper balance of these in our system. That means staying hydrated is important throughout the day. 

Proper hydration improves mood, boosts brain function, and prevents fatigue. It also helps to keep skin moisturized, produce necessary bodily fluids, such as tears and saliva, and remove waste through sweat, urination, and stool.

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals essential to your health. They help carry electrical signals that power your nerves and muscles, maintain your blood’s proper pH, and balance fluids in your body.

You get electrolytes from what you eat and drink, and you lose them any time you lose fluids.

What are the bodily functions that can cause you or your kids to lose fluids and electrolytes? Sweating is the most common one. You lose a lot of water and electrolytes when you sweat, so the more you sweat, the sooner you may become dehydrated. Also, urination; if your urine is a darker color than usual, you may be dehydrated.

Tips for Proper Hydration

Water doesn’t have enough electrolytes, so for mild to moderate dehydration, often just drinking water isn’t enough. For proper hydration, we need both the fluids and electrolytes.

During each day, replenish fluids lost to avoid dehydration. At end of day, begin HYDRAYTING for next day. This will allow for a better sleep and reduce potential fatigue the following day.