“Why Dehydration Happens: Causes and Prevention Tips”

2023-05-19 11:16:14

Those who slept less than six hours a night had a higher risk of dehydration compared to those who slept eight hours a night. [사진= 게티이미지뱅크]

Water is essential for living. About 60% of the human body consists of water. Not only is it essential for building cells, it is also very important for regulating body temperature, digestion, and electrolyte balance. Dehydration can occur if the body does not get enough of the fluid it needs.

Minor symptoms of dehydration include dry skin and mouth, dark urine, tiredness and dizziness. However, in severe cases, there is a risk of rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and symptoms such as fainting or shock.

In addition to drinking less water, the reason why dehydration can occur was introduced in the US food and nutrition information media ‘EatingWell’.

1. Sleep Schedule

Sleeping too little or too much puts you at risk of dehydration. An observational study published in the journal ‘Sleep’ in 2019 found that people who slept six hours or less had a higher risk of dehydration compared to those who slept eight hours a night. This may be because the body’s natural circadian signals are disrupted. Our body has a hormone called vasopressin that regulates the amount of water in the body, and if the sleep cycle is disturbed, abnormal secretion of this hormone can occur.

In addition, considering that moisture is always lost through the skin and respiratory tract, if you sleep too much, you may become dehydrated because the time for moisture to escape is prolonged without the body having time to replenish moisture.

2. Flight

According to a study published in ‘Nutrients’ in 2020, airplane cabins are kept at much lower humidity than normal air conditions. This environment can affect your body’s water levels, which can make you dehydrated after flying. Therefore, it is a good idea to drink plenty of water before and during the flight.

3. Eating too much sugar

Excessive sugar intake has multiple health effects, including the hydration aspect. For example, the habit of drinking soda with a lot of sugar can cause dehydration. When we consume too much sugar, our cells expel water to restore balance to our body. This can lead to frequent urination, which can eventually lead to dehydration.

According to a 2016 study published in the American Journal of Physiology—Regulatory, Integrative, and Comparative Physiology, rehydrating with beverages like soda can intensify dehydration and lead to kidney damage.

4. Drinking

Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, especially if you don’t drink it with snacks or other beverages. According to a study published in the journal Psychopharmacology, alcohol can suppress vasopressin, a hormone responsible for retaining water in the body. As a result, the amount of urine increases, which increases the number of trips to the bathroom.

If you’re drunk, the situation can be aggravated by making it harder to recognize that you need to drink a lot of water because you’re urinating a lot. When you drink alcohol, drink plenty of water first, and drink a glass of water in the middle of drinking alcohol.

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#sleep #Surprising #Risks #Dehydration

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