Importance of hydration

Dehydration is common in summers. Dr Praveen Jha tells you how it is linked to low BP and shares tips that can help

With the scorching heat, the incidences of dehydration become rampant. The fluid intake although increases in summer but it doesn’t fulfill the amount our body needs. In hot and humid days, our body sweats leading to a lot of water loss and sometimes when we don’t take adequate fluids, we suffer from dehydration. This condition can be serious if it remains untreated and can fluctuate the blood pressure levels of the body.

If the blood pressure level is 90/60 mm Hg, then you have a low blood pressure level. Dehydration can be one of the major causes of low blood pressure because of the decrease in blood volume. When you’re dehydrated, your blood volume decreases and that leads to a dip in the blood pressure. When the blood pressure drops too low, then a person won’t receive oxygen and nutrients.

If the blood pressure level reading is of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic (bottom number) reading of 90 mm Hg or higher, then you’re having hypertension. There is a limited research on how dehydration can be linked to hypertension. Investigation are on to find the connection between the two. Preliminary facts suggest that dehydration has the potential of increasing blood pressure due to the action of a hormone called vasopressin. It gets secreted in the body when there’s a high amount of sodium level in the blood, or when your blood volume is low. Both of these things can happen when you lose too much fluid.

Symptoms of dehydration one shouldn’t ignore: Thirst, dry mouth,urinating less often, urine that’s dark in colour, fatigue, lightheadedness or dizziness and confusion.

Causes: If you think not drinking enough water can lead you to dehydration then you’re highly mistaken. There are other possible causes of dehydration and they include:

Illness. A high fever can lead to dehydration. Additionally, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes.

Increased sweating. Water is lost when you sweat. An increase in sweating can occur in hot weather, during exercise, and if you’re sick with a fever.

Frequent urination. You can also lose fluids through urination. Medications like diuretics, underlying conditions such as Diabetes and alcohol consumption can all cause more frequent urination.

Here are five strategies for staying well-hydrated: 

• In order to make yourself conscious about your fluid intake, start writing down how much water you’re drinking. Continue doing this for a week.
• Make a habit of drinking a glass of water in the morning the moment you get up from your bed. Take a sipper with you and ensure that you’re sipping from it at least twice an hour.
• If you are having a hot beverage like tea or coffee, then make sure that you’re drinking a glass of water prior to having it.

The writer is Consultant Gastroenterologist, Regency Superspecialty Hospital, Lucknow