What you need to know about dehydration

Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids (mostly water) that it takes in. Dehydration causes more water to leave our bodies than we take in through water consumption. It is normal for us as humans to excrete a certain amount of water each day. Water escapes from the body as water vapor every day as we breathe (exhale) and as we excrete fluids through sweat, urine, and stool. Other than water, small amounts of salts are also excreted. However, when we lose too much water, our bodies can become dehydrated. This can lead to certain health problems and in severe cases, can lead to death.

Causes of dehydration

·       Significant injuries to skin, such as burns or mouth sores, or severe skin diseases or infections (water is lost through the damaged skin)

·       Diseases such as diabetes

·       Fever, heat exposure, and too much exercise

·       Vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination due to infection

·       The inability to seek appropriate water and food (as in the case of a disabled person)

·       An impaired ability to drink (for instance, someone in a coma or on a respirator)

Symptoms of dehydration. The signs and symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include:

·       Increased thirst

·       Confusion

·       Dizziness

·       Fainting

·       Dry mouth and swollen tongue

·       Weakness

·       Palpitations

·       Sluggishness fainting

·       Inability to sweat

·       Decreased urine output

·       Deep yellow or amber colored urine

See your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

·       Increased or constant vomitingfor more than a day

·       Fever over 101°F

·       Diarrheafor more than 2 days

·       Weight loss

·       Decreased urine production

·       Confusion

·       Weakness

Self-treatment for dehydration

·       Sip small amounts of water

·       Drink carbohydrate/electrolyte-containing drinks. (i.e. sports drinks such as Gatorade)

·       Suck on ice chips or popsicles made from juices and sports drinks

·       Get out of the sun and get into air conditioned or fanned environment

Beauty Tips for Better Skin

You don’t need to spend your days at the dermatologist to get great skin, especially as you age. Eating right is a fundamental part of maintaining healthy skin.  In many ways your skins health is a reflection of your own personal health.  Following a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can really make a difference in how your skin looks.  Similarly, bad habits like smoking, drinking excessively, and not getting enough sleep can make your skin look dull, old and tired.  Here are some foods to add to your diet, if you are looking to improve the look and feel of your skin without any invasive or expensive treatments:

1.     Collard greens

2.     Turmeric

3.     Romaine Lettuce

4.     Wheat germ

5.     Strawberries

6.     Tomatoes

7.     Pomegranate

8.     Oysters

What these foods have in common are that they are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that protect and rejuvenate the skin.  For example, vitamin C fights dryness and wrinkles in the skin, while protecting the skin’s natural elasticity.  Maintaining elasticity will keep skin from sagging and looking, well… old. The antioxidant also boosts collagen production which will promote that youthful glow we are all looking for. Vitamin A promotes cell renewal, thereby revitalizing skin. Potassium improves blood circulation.  The more the blood in the body is moving, the more oxygen and nutrients that cells, including the ones in our skin, are able to get.  Antioxidants combat free-radical damage caused by environmental stress (and the sun) to our bodies.  Countering this day to day oxidative stress, gets our skin looking great from the inside, out. 

Some other great antioxidant rich produce to add to your regiment are those filled with carotenoids. Carotenoids are colorful plant pigments, and are powerful antioxidants which have been found to act towards preventing some forms of cancer and heart disease.  These precursors to vitamin A also boost your immune response, helping the body fight off colds and infections.  Not at least some of them, the body can turn into vitamin A, the vitamin that supports healthy eyes, skin, and immune function.  The carotenoid containing fruits and veggies are characterized by their bright colors, yellows, oranges and reds – and even deep greens.  To get the most out of your carotenoid intake, carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables should be mixed with healthy fats, like yogurt or avocado.  This is important since the body needs fats, to convert these vitamin A precursors into vitamin A itself.

Carotenoid-rich produce:

·       Kale

·       Spinach

·       Carrots

·       Mango

·       Pumpkin

·       Spinach

·       Broccoli

·       Asparagus

·       Cantaloupe