Health MOT

Water: Are you getting enough?

The body can cope without food for many days. But after just two or three days without water, serious – and, in extreme circumstances, fatal – health problems can develop due to dehydration.

The human body is about two-thirds water. Water lubricates the joints and eyes, aids digestion, flushes out waste and toxins and keeps skin healthy.

Dehydration occurs when the normal water content of your body is reduced. This changes the essential balance of chemical substances in your body, especially sodium (salt) and potassium. In order to function properly, many of the body's cells depend on these substances being maintained at the correct levels.

The amount of water in the body only has to decrease by a few per cent for dehydration to occur. Babies, infants and older people are at particular risk from dehydration. If they have the symptoms of dehydration, it is vital that they are treated immediately.

A good indicator of dehydration is how often you pass urine. If you urinate less than three or four times a day, and the quantity of urine is small, it may indicate that you are
dehydrated. Also, if your urine is unusually dark in colour (see urine colour chart below), you are probably dehydrated.

If you experience ongoing dehydration, you should see your GP as soon as possible.

How Do We Lose Water?
Water loss                                     Water input
Urine 50%                                     Drinks 47%
Skin (sweating) 34%                      Food 39%
Breathing 14%                    Metabolism 14%
Faeces 2%

Adapted from BUPA

Urine Colour Chart