Dehydration Paper free essay sample

July 11, 2010 Water is an essential part of our every day lives, whether we know it or not. In the body water bathes the cells of the body and lubricates and cleanses internal and external body organs. Watery tears lubricate the eyes and wash away dirt, saliva lubricates the mouth, making it easier to chew and swallow foods. Water resists compression so it cushions body compartments such as the Joints and eyeballs against shock. In addition, water functions in chemical reactions and help the body regulate body temperature. So as you can see water is needed and is essential for he body to function properly. Body Temperature Water is important in maintain body temperature, water holds heat, and changes temperature slowly helps keep body temperature constant is important. The bodies temperature should maintain a level around 98. 6 degrees Fahrenheit. If the body temperature rises above 108 degrees or falls below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, death is likely. We will write a custom essay sample on Dehydration Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Sweat also helps regulate body temperature. When the body becomes too hot the brain triggers the sweat glands in the skin to produce sweat, which is mostly water. As the sweat evaporates from the skin, heat is loss, cooling the body. Chemical Reaction Water is an excellent solvent; glucose, amino acids, minerals, and many other substances needed by body cells dissolve in water. The chemical reactions of metabolism that support life take place in water. Water also helps the proper level acidity in the body. Dehydration Dehydration is the process of removing water from a substance or a compound; excessive loss of water from the body or from an organ or body part. There are three types of dehydration: mild, moderate, and severe. According to www. symptomsofdehydration. com mild dehydration occurs when the ody has lost 2% of its total fluid. Mild dehydration symptoms are often; but not limited to: thirst, lost of appetite, dry skin, skin flushing, dark colored urine, dry mouth, fatigue, or weakness, chills, and head rushes. Moderate dehydration occurs when the body has lost 5% of its total fluid. Moderate dehydration symptoms are often: Increased heart rate, increased respiration, decreased sweating, decreased urination, increased body temperature, extreme fatigness, muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, and tingling of the limbs. Severe dehydration occurs when the body has lost 10% of its total fluid. With severe dehydration emergency help is needed immediately. Symptoms of severe dehydration include: muscle spasms, vomiting, racing pulse, shriveled skin, dimmed vision, painful urination, confusion, difficulty breathing, seizures, chest and abdominal pain, and unconsciousness. Electrolytes based balance throughout the body. Sodium, potassium, and chloride are key electrolytes in the body. Sodium is concentrated outside of the cells, and the recommended intake is 1500mg per day. Sodiums main purpose in the body is to aide in nerve transmission, uscle contractions and fluid balance. Potassium is concentrated inside cells where it is 20 times more concentrated then outside the cells. Potassiums recommended intake is 4700mg per day, its main purpose in the body is to aide in nerve transmission, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. Chlorides recommended intake is 2300mg per day, chlorides main purposes in the body is to maintain fluid balance. Alcohol and Caffeine According to www. answers. yahoo. com alcohol and caffeine is a diuretic that makes you urinate more frequently; thereby speeding up the process of loss fluid rom the body.