Dehydration can sneak up on you and impair your thinking to the point you may not realize you need to take immediate action. Rescuers have at times found lost hikers and others that have succumbed to dehydration with water still in their canteens. People think they should ration their water for when they need it and this can have serious consequences.
Once you begin to experience dehydration your mental acuity is affected. You will not be thinking straight, and you can make decisions detrimental to your survival. Trying to save water for later is a bad decision, but the amazing thing is the decision is usually made when the mind is clear.
Some people do believe, they need to ration their water in …show more content…
Headaches are common in people that are dehydrated as well as fatigue, foggy mind, and cranky mood and in the advanced stages you can become unconscious.
How much water a body needs everyday depends on certain factors, but most experts agree for the average adult two quarts/liters is required. Keep in mind teas, fruit drinks and other beverages can contain artificial ingredients as well as, sodium, and sugars and so will add calories to your diet.
The body can lose a gallon or even more of fluids a day in hot weather when sweating heavily. The amount of water you need is dependent upon your body size, overall health and your activity level. This is not an exact science, so drink water whether you feel thirsty or not and if the color of your urine is dark or you are not urinating at all then you are not getting enough water.
Dehydration will lower the sodium and sugar levels in the body and treating dehydration with plain water may not be the best method for treating dehydration in very young children and older adults. Always consult with a medical professional before treating anyone however. When you sweat you are losing fluids and essential