Insufficient hydration is a leading cause of acute and chronic dehydration. It can also have an adverse effect on the immune system. A healthy body needs sufficient water, which serves as a solvent to flush out toxins and regulate bodily functions. A lack of hydration can lead to many symptoms including fatigue, dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps and even anxiety. Depending on the severity of the condition, inadequate hydration may also pose other health risks such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Considering the role of hydration in our well-being, it’s important for us to keep hydrated at all times. However, certain situations require more attention than others. If you find yourself experiencing any of the following symptoms due to dehydration or lack of fluids, look into your options for increasing your intake:
What to drink for increased hydration
If you’re looking to increase your hydration, start with water. Not only is it the best, most common source of hydration, but it’s also surprisingly low in calories. Next, look into adding essential oils to your water. They can be added as drops, infusing your water with essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammation properties. Popular water flavoring options include lemongrass, ginger, and basil. If you’d like to add extra antioxidants and nutrients, try adding a vitamin and mineral supplement.
What to do if you’re already dehydrated
If you’re already dehydrated, you’ll need to rehydrate your body as quickly as possible. If you’re at risk of kidney stones, it’s especially important to get the water in! Water, coconut water, and herbal teas are all great options for rehydration. If you’re at risk for kidney stones, you’ll want to avoid caffeinated beverages, since they’re high in oxalates, which are known to cause increased oxalate crystal formation. If you’re in an accident or have a medical condition that requires reduced activity, be sure to drink plenty of water to stay on top of your hydration levels. If you’re experiencing an illness, it’s especially important to stay hydrated.
Connectivity between dehydration and immune system
Dehydration has been shown to reduce the immune response. In fact, increasing your hydration has been shown to increase your immune system response by as much as 70%! This increased immune response is due to higher levels of electrolytes, essential vitamins and minerals in your body. It’s important to note that dehydration can also decrease the absorption of these nutrients. If you’re looking to support your immune system, you can try increasing your water intake. It’s also important to keep an eye out for other signs of dehydration such as fatigue, muscle pain and cramps, or headaches. If you’re experiencing any of these, rehydrate as quickly as possible.
Signs of a compromised immune system
You may experience a compromised immune system if you don’t get enough water. Low hydration can affect your white blood cell count and impair your ability to fight off infections. You may experience a compromised immune system if you don’t get enough water. Low hydration can affect your white blood cell count and impair your ability to fight off infections. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, rehydrate as soon as possible. You should also consider consulting a doctor if you have persistent cough, persistent sinus pain, or persistent fatigue.
Summary
Dehydration can lead to a compromised immune system and an increased risk of infections. If you experience any of these symptoms you should reach for more water. If you’re particularly concerned, you could also consider re-hydration therapy, a method of IV hydration that’s used to treat certain medical conditions. In cases of extreme dehydration, you might also want to consider an oral re-hydration solution. This should be taken immediately after the onset of dehydration, and should be used only as a last resort. Dehydration can lead to a compromised immune system, as well as other signs of dehydration such as fatigue, muscle pain and cramps, and headaches. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should reach for more water immediately. You could also consider re-hydration therapy or an oral re-hydration solution in extreme cases.
Are you interested in learning more about what IV hydration can do for you? We would love to answer your questions. Contact us today at 205-352-9141.
