The thing about Dehydration is that most people do not even realise that they are dehydrated because they think that only people who are lost at sea or in a desert can get dehydrated. The truth is that all it takes to become dehydrated is not drinking sufficient water throughout the day.

Research has shown that most individuals walk around at least partially dehydrated at least some of the time, especially the elderly, because they are unaware of the warning signs of dehydration.

It is vital that everyone is aware of the warning signs of dehydration, especially if you have elderly relatives or children, as well as for your own personal health:

• Dehydration occurs over time when insufficient water is consumed resulting in the body’s fluids being thrown out of whack (you need to maintain around 70% fluid balance).

• When you feel thirsty or your lips are dry, you are already between 2% and 5% dehydrated – if you do not top up your fluid levels by drinking water at this stage it could lead to fatigue, a flushed skin, dizziness, chills, and even a slight headache;
• If you do not drink water at this stage your dehydration will get worse. Drinking tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks do not count and could in actual fact exacerbate the dehydration;
• At a mere 5% dehydration, the human body will experience decreased sweating and urination, extreme fatigue, nausea and constipation, muscle cramps, severe headaches, increased heart rate, and neurosensory disturbances such as tingling and numbness;
• By the time your body reaches 10% loss of fluids, you are heading for severe dehydration which will result in severe muscle spasms, respiratory problems, vomiting, confusion, painful urination with very low urine volume, a rapid pulse, dim vision or temporary blindness, chest pain, neuromuscular seizures, coma and eventually even death.

Ensuring that you and your loved ones remain fully hydrated and in the peak of health is not really difficult – start the day off with a nice big glass of water and drink at least another few glasses of water throughout the day, ending off with a glass of water before retiring.

Investing in a water cooler will ensure that there is always sufficient accessible chilled, great-tasting drinking water for everyone to drink.

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