Hydration is a vital process that ensures adequate amounts of water at a cellular level and helps in waste disposal and replenishment of nutrients. This helps the organs and systems in the human body to function properly.
Dehydration is the condition in which the human body is deprived of the appropriate amounts of water which is necessary for its proper functioning.
Dehydration occurs when the necessary intake of water and other fluids is not satisfactory or when a person loses so much water that is not easily replenished.
Dehydration can occur when a disorder causes vomiting or diarrhea. Dehydration can also be caused when the body is exposed to high temperatures or undergoes intense exercise. Taking diuretic medications also has the same effect.
Dehydration can be acute or chronic, it can be mild or in severe cases it can lead to complications and even death.
The liquids contained in many drinks, but also in some foods can enhance hydration, but on the contrary enough fluids can create the opposite effect, dehydration.
Drinks that can cause urination are alcohol, caffeine and sugar.
Alcohol and Dehydration
Alcohol consumption acts as a diuretic.
This means that during the processing of alcohol in other substitutes in order to eliminate it from the body, more water is used, which is converted into urine and thus uses large amounts of water to be released from the cells and consequently from the muscles and the organs, which in turn they will be deprived of it.
If the appropriate amount of water lost, is not replenished in time, dehydration will occur.
In general, the greater the amount of alcohol contained within a drink, the greater the amount of diuresis it will cause and the more dehydrated an individual will be.
Beer Consumptions
Beer has a low alcohol content. It ranges between 2-6% by volume.
The human body can accept large amounts of beer and due to the fact that the levels of alcohol are low and the amounts of water are high, it cannot cause severe dehydration.
What is dangerous with over-consumption of beer in a short period of time is the overload of the heart from the large amount of fluids that enter the blood and the dilution of the blood.
Wine
Wine has more alcohol than beer and ranges from 8-20% by volume.
The possibility of dehydration in reasonable amounts of consumption is low, but due to the higher sugar content found in wine may assist in causing dehydration.
Distilled alcoholic beverages
Distilled alcoholic beverages have a high alcohol content that is around 50% and less liquid than other beverages which can cause severe dehydration.
If other beverages are not used simultaneously, or alcohol use is in combination with caffeinated beverages or sugar, then the situation for some may become more serious.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
The first sign of dehydration is thirst and dry mouth.
The following symptoms may also occur:
Headache
Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
Fatigue and tiredness
Muscle weakness located in the extremities and cramps in the lower extremities
Constipation
Discoloration of urine - becomes darker
Dryer and flaky skin is observed
It causes impaired function of the kidneys, heart or the digestive system
Prevention
The following measures can be taken to prevent dehydration
· Care and application of proper hydration before and during alcohol consumption
· Defining and understanding the capabilities of each individual’s tolerance towards alcohol and caffeine. This will help prevent overconsumption.
· Control over the consumption of alcoholic beverages and reduce their overconsumption.
· Avoid alcoholic beverages high in caffeine and sugar when there is a feeling of thirst
· Dietary diversification by avoiding or replacing dehydrated beverages.
What is important is to understand that with the use of alcohol there is a risk of dehydration and possibly the changes that everyone can make over time to be done on a permanent basis, to develop a habit to help in avoiding dehydration conditions.
In addition, making dietary changes to include more dehydrated beverages (water, electrolyte-containing sports drinks, decaffeinated beverages, carbonated water, fruit, etc.) can help ensure hydration and fluid balance for proper functioning of the human body.