Long Term Effects of Dehydration

Dehydration is a lot more than just not drinking enough water.
The side effects of being dehydrated involve numerous body systems and symptoms can range from mild to life threatening.
Dehydration inhibits the effectiveness of one’s lymphatic system and allows cellular waste products to linger and create further havoc.

 Research has found dehydration to have a negative affect on one’s brain and can contribute to the development of depression.

 The brain consumes vast amounts of glucose that is delivered via the blood supply. 

 Dehydration affects the amount of overall blood volume that in return affects the brain.

 Mild to moderate dehydration can also cause headaches, diminish memory and impair one’s ability to think clearly. 

Proper hydration is essential for nerve function throughout the body. 

 Nerves are sensitive and the body places a high priority to their health and maintenance. 

Once a nerve dies, there is no re-growth within the central nervous system.

 Micro streams exist along the length of the nerves and transport nutrients along microtubules to where the messages are being transmitted.

Dehydration can disrupt these messages, often resulting in the sensation of pain, fatigue, low energy, loss of muscle strength and poor endurance. 

Histamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in encouraging water intake during periods of dehydration. 

Elevated levels of histamine can also impact and contribute to asthma, depression and chronic pain. These conditions are often treated with anti-histamines and painkillers that essentially turn off signals of thirst. Water makes up about 60% of one’s body weight.

Obesity has been shown to decrease the percentage of water in the body, sometimes to as low as 45%.