The Long-Time Effects of Dehydration

Drinking plentiful amounts of water can provide your body with anti-aging benefits, higher energy levels and a better mood. Long-term dehydration occurs when you lose more fluids than you take in over an extended period of time. This type of dehydration can have a significant impact on your mood and overall health.

Effects

• Long-term dehydration, also known as chronic dehydration, causes a multitude of health problems that can develop into more serious problems if you do not rehydrate. Some symptoms of chronic or severe dehydration are extreme thirst, irritability, sunken eyes, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever, delirium and unconsciousness. The most reliable indication of hydration levels in the body is the color of your urine. If your urine is clear or light in color, you are hydrated and any other symptoms may indicate other health problems. If your urine is dark in color, this is an indication that you are dehydrated and should rehydrate yourself as soon as possible.

Causes

• Dehydration is a result of loss of fluids in the body. When you expend more fluids than you consume, you may become dehydrated. This loss of fluids can be caused by vomiting, diarrhea, fever with excessive sweating and strenuous exercise. Dehydration can also occur when you drink excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeinated beverages. Excessive urination that leads to dehydration may be a sign of diabetes, and the use of antihistamines, blood pressure medication and psychiatric drugs can also cause excessive urination that lead to dehydration.

Risk Factors

• Infants and older adults have a high risk for dehydration. Children's small body size and tendency towards diarrhea may cause dehydration more frequently. The bodies of older adults are not as efficient in water conservation and they may forget to drink water throughout the day. People with chronic illnesses such as uncontrolled diabetes, kidney diseases and alcoholism are also at risk of long-term dehydration. Endurance athletes and people who work in hot, humid weather must also make an effort to consume enough liquids to stay well hydrated.

Prevention

• The best prevention of chronic dehydration is to avoid alcohol, keep chronic illnesses under control and drink enough water to produce clear or light-colored urine. Start hydrating your body a day before strenuous exercise, and drink plenty of water if you work outside in a hot, humid environment. Eating fruits and vegetables that contain high amounts of water can also help prevent chronic dehydration. Some foods with a high water content include cucumbers, berries, grapes, apples and carrots.