Drink Water Even Without Feeling Thirsty

Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Specialist Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer provided information about the causes, symptoms, risk groups and prevention methods of dehydration (fluid loss).

Noting that dehydration, or the body's loss of more fluid than it takes in, poses serious risks especially in hot weather and in certain health conditions, Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Specialist Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer stated that fluid loss may not always be easily noticed.

Pointing out that symptoms such as dry mouth, dizziness and dark-colored urine may indicate fluid loss, Atamer said, "Fluid loss is particularly important in babies and children. Dryness of the mouth and tongue, absence of tears while crying, and the diaper not getting wet for 3 hours are signs that may be observed." Atamer warned that fluid loss can be fatal in babies, children, elderly people and those with chronic illnesses, emphasizing that consuming adequate amounts of water daily is vital, and that tea, carbonated beverages and other drinks cannot replace water.

Dehydration may not always be easy to notice!
Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer explained that excessive fluid loss from the body, or dehydration as it is medically known, is a condition where the body loses more water than it takes in, saying "Along with lost water, the imbalance of certain minerals, particularly sodium and potassium, leads to the condition known as dehydration or fluid loss."

Pointing out that fluid loss occurs mainly due to prolonged lack of fluid intake, sweating, fever, vomiting or diarrhea, Atamer said, "Especially in hot weather, the fluid taken in must be greater than the fluid lost from the body. Recognizing dehydration may not always be easy. For this reason, regular water consumption is important. In fact, in moderate to severe dehydration cases, it becomes necessary to go to the hospital for fluid replacement."

Darkening urine color is a sign that the body is dehydrated!
Providing information about dehydration symptoms, Atamer stated the following:
"It manifests itself through dry mouth, frequent urination, fatigue, headache and sweating. Beyond these, complaints such as dizziness, elevated heart rate, low blood pressure and darkening of urine color also indicate fluid loss. Fluid loss is particularly important in babies and children. Dryness of the mouth and tongue, absence of tears while crying, and the diaper not getting wet for 3 hours are signs that may be observed. Fluid loss occurs due to reasons such as excessive and frequent sweating, high fever and frequent urination."

Fluid loss can even lead to death in certain groups!
Noting that fluid loss is quite common especially in environments where temperature rises significantly, and that working in closed and humid environments increases fluid loss, Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer said, "For this reason, we must ensure that the places where we work are not closed and must pay attention to ventilation."
Warning that fluid loss can lead to death in elderly people, children, babies and people with illnesses, Atamer cautioned, "Pregnant women, elderly people and children are also at greater risk from excessive fluid loss compared to healthy individuals."

Fluid loss cannot be compensated by any beverage other than water!
Pointing out that 2-3 liters of fluid daily must be consumed to prevent excessive fluid loss, Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer said, "However, this amount varies depending on the person's health condition, age, gender and activities. For this reason, adequate fluid must be consumed even without feeling dry mouth or thirst."

Emphasizing that it is not possible to balance fluid loss with tea, Atamer concluded his remarks as follows:
"Tea, in fact, increases fluid loss because it causes frequent urination. Beverages containing balanced electrolytes such as ayran can be recommended in hot weather. But most importantly, drink plenty of water. Nothing but water can replace fluid loss, not even carbonated beverages. Fluid loss must always be compensated. If a serious situation is encountered, one must go to the hospital."