Dehydration
- Submitted by: diamondchick870
- Views: 793
- Category: Science
- Date Submitted: 09/19/2010 11:32 PM
- Pages: 5
- Report this Essay
Dehydration
Stephany Winfrey
July 31, 2010
Sci 241
Axia College
Water is an essential element of the body and critical component to human life. Adequate hydration is a must to allow the body to function properly. Up to 75% of the body’s weight is made up of water (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Most of this water is found in the body’s cells or intracellular space. The rest of the water is found in what is known as the extracellular space, which consists of blood vessels and the spaces between the cells. Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is more than the amount taken in (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Dehydration can sometimes occur quickly, depending on the circumstances. Overexertion in warm weather or exercise can cause a person to become dehydrated. A dehydrated person may experience dizziness and nausea. This paper will discuss water and its essentials to health maintenance, water’s function in the body, and the effects on the body when it does not receive the proper amount of water it needs to function. It will also compare and contrast electrolytes and function within the body, and the effects that alcohol and caffeine have on the hydration levels in the body, and lastly, steps that people can take to avoid dehydration.
Dehydration happens when the body does not receive the required amount of water necessary to maintain an even flow. Water is essential to health maintenance because it accounts for over half of adult body weight. The flow of water within the body which is used in and around major organs to maintain the body’s functioning; also helps the blood flow, and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which is critical for digestion. The water that is lost through normal body functions must be replaced.
We lose water when we breathe and humidified air leaves the body, sweating, urination or have a bowel movement (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). On a normal day, a person must drink a significant amount of water...
Stephany Winfrey
July 31, 2010
Sci 241
Axia College
Water is an essential element of the body and critical component to human life. Adequate hydration is a must to allow the body to function properly. Up to 75% of the body’s weight is made up of water (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Most of this water is found in the body’s cells or intracellular space. The rest of the water is found in what is known as the extracellular space, which consists of blood vessels and the spaces between the cells. Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is more than the amount taken in (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). Dehydration can sometimes occur quickly, depending on the circumstances. Overexertion in warm weather or exercise can cause a person to become dehydrated. A dehydrated person may experience dizziness and nausea. This paper will discuss water and its essentials to health maintenance, water’s function in the body, and the effects on the body when it does not receive the proper amount of water it needs to function. It will also compare and contrast electrolytes and function within the body, and the effects that alcohol and caffeine have on the hydration levels in the body, and lastly, steps that people can take to avoid dehydration.
Dehydration happens when the body does not receive the required amount of water necessary to maintain an even flow. Water is essential to health maintenance because it accounts for over half of adult body weight. The flow of water within the body which is used in and around major organs to maintain the body’s functioning; also helps the blood flow, and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which is critical for digestion. The water that is lost through normal body functions must be replaced.
We lose water when we breathe and humidified air leaves the body, sweating, urination or have a bowel movement (Medicine.net, 1996-2010). On a normal day, a person must drink a significant amount of water...