CONNECTOR.AE 32 CONNECTOR.AE 33 Health and Wellness Health and Wellness Meanwhile, Munawara Yahaya, Nabta Health Clinical Dietitian, adds, “Living in a dry climate with low humidity can increase fluid loss through sweating and respiration, while high altitudes cause more fluid loss through respiration, making hydration crucial. Additionally, frequent urination due to a Urinary Tract Infections can lead to dehydration if fluids aren’t adequately replaced.” Dr Natasha Shah, Family Medicine Consultant at Mubadala Health Dubai, explains, “Sugar absorbs water, so sugary treats can reduce the amount of water available in our bodies, and caffeine’s diuretic effect can further contribute to dehydration.” Dr. Mustafa Saif, Specialist in Internal Medicine at Dubai London Hospital adds, “Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and adrenal gland disorders, can affect the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance, potentially leading to dehydration. Besides this, infants, young children, and older adults are at higher risk of dehydration because they may not be able to recognise or communicate their thirst effectively. Lastly, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production, which can lead to dehydration if not enough water is consumed alongside alcoholic beverages.” What Are The Symptoms Of Dehydration Dehydration symptoms can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms can manifest as headaches, lethargy and severe thirst. “These symptoms can often bemanaged by increasing water intake through food and liquids,” says Dr Bahaa Shaath, Consultant Nephrologist from Imperial College London Diabetes Centre. 1. Thirst: This is the body’s natural signal indicating a need for fluids. However, when you feel thirsty, you’re already somewhat dehydrated. 2. Reduced Urination: You may urinate less frequently, and the urine may appear dark yellow or amber. 3. Fatigue And Dizziness: Dehydration can zap your energy and make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. 4. Headache: Dehydration can contribute to headaches, as the brain relies on proper hydration to function optimally. 5. Dry Mouth And Skin: Dry mouth, lips, and skin are signs that your body lacks fluids. 6. Decreased Sweat Production: When dehydrated, your body may sweat less, even in hot weather, as it tries to conserve fluids. 7. Constipation: Dehydration can make stools more difficult to pass. Highlighting the symptoms for babies, Dr Asma Kamal fromMediclinic, Al Qusais adds, “For a baby, there can be few or no tears when they cry, sunken eyes, less frequent wet nappies and getting drowsy or irritable.” How Does Dehydration Impact Your Overall Physical Performance “Dehydration causes issues with reduced physical performance due to reduced circulation, electrolyte imbalances which cause problems with muscle contraction Adding more to this Marah Odeh at DP World’s Aviv Clinics says, “The human body is anywhere from 45 to 75% water, so it needs proper hydration to function optimally. That’s particularly important for the brain, which is composed of 73% water. To operate, the brain cells need to maintain a balance between water and a number of other different elements and when the body loses too much water, it disrupts that delicate balance.” When To Seek Medical Help For Dehydration In severe cases, dehydration can display alarming symptoms like extreme thirst despite drinking fluids, severe dizziness or fainting, confusion, disorientation, or unusual behaviour. In such cases, seeking medical help is necessary. and effects on the heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. Other effects include muscle cramps and reduced power, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, constipation, and changes in concentration, alertness and mental performance,” says Dr Asma Kamal from Mediclinic, Al Qusais. Adding more to this, Munawara Yahaya from Nabta Health says, “Dehydration impairs thermoregulation by reducing sweating efficiency, hindering the body’s ability to cool down during exercise and increasing the risk of heat stress and overheating. Additionally, dehydration can make physical activity feel more challenging, even at lower intensities. This can lead to decreased motivation and endurance. Studies indicate that dehydration is linked to decreased exercise performance, endurance, and work capacity.” Besides this, dehydration also impacts your cognitive function, here’s how: 1. Reduced Blood Flow To The Brain: Dehydration lowers blood volume, which reduces blood flow to the brain, impacting concentration, alertness, and cognitive function. 2. Headaches And Fatigue: Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue, making it hard to concentrate, think clearly, and perform mentally demanding tasks.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzU4NjA=