The human body makes up about 65% water (in males) and approximately 55% (in females). The brain is one of several organs with the highest percentage of water – 80-85%! Your body loses water throughout the day in different ways – going to the bathroom, sweating and breathing. Plus, if you’re on certain medications such as a diuretic (water pill for high blood pressure) or chemotherapy which can cause diarrhea and vomiting which leads to dehydration, it is extremely important that you stay hydrated with water.

I have always had a love for medicine and how the body functions and finding positive ways to help by encouraging others to empower your own health, as well as finding preventative ways to stay on top of your health. So, when I was listening to a sermon from a well-known minister and they mentioned about their experience of becoming dehydrated, that piqued my interest! This person went on to say how they had become so ill with either a virus, food poisoning or something to the point that while treating the illness, the side effects of the illness (dehydration) was worse than the illness itself. It threw their whole body into chaos. They literally had to be admitted to the hospital to get rehydrated with fluids and electrolytes.

If your body is not adequately hydrated PRIOR to you coming down with an illness which causes nausea and vomiting, this can lead to severe dehydration, which could lead to shutting down of your organs!

Some symptoms of dehydration include: dry mouth, dizziness, lethargy, fatigue and even confusion.

Let’s keep our bodies well-hydrated now with plenty of fluids such as water, orange juice, cranberry juice, any non-caffeinated drinks, and replenish your body’s electrolytes with sports drinks such as (Gatorade and for babies and children, drinks such as Pedialyte), BEFORE spring/summer arrives, BEFORE going out to exercise, BEFORE hitting the gym and definitely while taking certain medications such as a diuretic. Be careful not to overhydrate either – that’s why it is important to know your body in order to have an adequate balance of fluid intake.