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Dehydration |
The Effects on the Human Body |
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Holly Wetzel |
9/23/2011 |
Sci/241
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The Effects on the Human Body
Water is essential to health maintenance for a multitude of reasons. The average adult’s weight is composed of 60% water (associated content). The human muscles consist of 75% water, and the human bones are composed of approximately 25% water. Water is located inside and outside of the human cells. Held in cells by proteins, sodium, and potassium (electrolytes), water is essential to human life, as well as the quality of health one has. The flow of water makes sure that bodily fluids are distributed properly. Water dissolves glucose, amino acids, and minerals; it also breaks apart molecules and regulates the body temperature. Without water, the human body will begin to dysfunction, and eventually die.
Dehydration is the term used for when the body is lacking the proper amount of water and fluids. Dehydration can occur from the loss of bodily fluids (sweat, vomiting, and diarrhea) or not consuming enough water to begin with. Symptoms of dehydration include: dry or sticky mouth, low/no urine output, not producing tears, sunken eyes, lethargic or comatose (severe dehydration), flushing, low endurance, rapid heart rate, elevated body temperature, onset of fatigue, headaches, dry skin, low blood pressure, and dizziness. These are only a few of the effects of dehydration on the human body. The ultimate consequence of dehydration is death.
Sodium, potassium, and chloride are what make up electrolytes. There is an electrical current through the body that is caused by charged ions, called electrolytes. Sodium is responsible for aiding in nerve transmission and muscle contraction. The lack of sodium may cause muscle cramps. Potassium is also an aid in these areas, but a lack of potassium can cause an irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and also muscle cramps. Chloride is responsible for balancing the body fluids. It is...