Dehydration may be caused by inadequate intake in relation to fluid requirements or excessive fluid losses caused by fever, increased urine output, diarrhea, draining wounds, ostomy output, fistulas, environmental temperature, or vomiting. Concentrated or high protein tube feeding formulas may increase the water requirement…Read More.
Adequate hydration is essential for life. Body water is necessary to regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, moisten body tissues, compose body fluids, and make waste products soluble for excretion. Principles: As the most plentiful substance in the human body, water is also the most plentiful nutrient in the diet. The amount of water recommended for an individual varies with age, activity, medical condition, and physical condition. The water in juice, tea, milk, decaffeinated coffee, and carbonated beverages contributes the majority of water in the diet.
Solid foods also contribute water to the diet but usually are not counted in the amount of water provided per day.
Water deficiency, or dehydration, is characterized by dark urine; decreased skin turgor; dry mouth, lips, and mucous membranes; headache; a coated, wrinkled tongue; dry or sunken eyes; weight loss; a lowered body temperature; and increased serum sodium, albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine values. Dehydration may be caused by inadequate intake in relation to fluid requirements or excessive fluid losses caused by fever, increased urine output, diarrhea, draining wounds, ostomy output, fistulas, environmental temperature, or vomiting. Concentrated or high protein tube feeding formulas may increase the water requirement.
Thirst is often the first noticed sign of the need for more water. However, athletes or workers exercising or working hard in hot climates may be significantly dehydrated before they realize they are thirsty. In these situations they should be drinking at regular intervals; they may not be able to rely on thirst to determine their need to drink.
Water excess or overhydration is rare and may be the result of inadequate output or excessive intake. Overhydration is characterized by increased blood pressure; decreased pulse rate; edema; and decreased serum sodium, potassium, albumin, BUN, and creatinine values. Fluid restrictions may be necessary for certain medical conditions such as kidney or cardiac disease. For those on fluid restrictions, the fluid needs should be calculated on an individual basis. The usual diet provides approximately 1080 mL (36 oz), a little more than a quart of fluid per day
An Article by a Nutrition Student Syeda Ruhina Raushan‘
