Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Electrolyte Replenishment is Critical!

The human body is made up of about 70 percent water. Under normal conditions it loses some body water through sweat, tears, urine and stool. Water also evaporates from the skin and leaves the body in the form of vapor when people breathe. Because of these facts, dehydration becomes a major health concern among many individuals. Dehydration is a condition in which the body lacks water and electrolytes. Electrolytes are substances which contains free ions that are used by the body in important cellular activity. This condition may lead to serious ailments and even death if not given proper attention.

One major cause of dehydration is insufficient consumption of water. Coupled with intensely hot weather, insufficient water intake may lead to severe dehydration or heatstroke (severe form of heat illness). In addition to these factors, other causes of dehydration may include intense workouts and other excruciating physical activities. These activities may cause excessive sweating and deplete the body of electrolytes and other necessary nutrients. Other causes of dehydration can be digestive problems caused by defects, illness or reaction to gastric bypass or other surgeries on the stomach. Health ailments like nausea and vomiting or diarrhea are other causes of dehydration. Too much alcohol and coffee consumption may also cause dehydration.

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