In this Section:
Water Funtion in the Body
Causes of Dehydration
Symptoms of Dehydration
Prevention of Dehydration
Fluid Retention
Sodium and Potassium

• Not enough fluid intaje
  
• Illness - fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea
  
• Diuretics - deplete water, electrolytes (sodium, potassium) and minerals
  
• Laxative abuse with diarrhea - You lose lots of fluids and electrolytes but still absorb more than 90% of the calories
  
• Hot weather and sweating
  
• Exercise and sweating - adequate fluid intake and blood volume are necessary to sweat and to carry away heat from hot muscles
  
• Caffeine - acts as a diuretic to increase quantity of urine
  
• Alcoholic beverages - alcohol acts as a diuretic. You also need 8 oz of water to help metabolize 1 oz of alcohol
  
• A starvation diet or inadequate carbohydrates can cause dehydration even if you drink adequate fluids
  
• Diets high in protein, salt, or fiber