What is dehydration?

What is dehydration?

Your body is mostly made of water. It’s in your blood, organs, soft tissues and bones. When you sweat and urinate, your body loses fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that help your body work like it should.

Dehydration happens when the amount of fluid that’s leaving your body (in sweat and urine) is more than the amount of fluid you’re taking in. Dehydration can be dangerous because it means your body isn’t getting the fluids it needs.

Dehydration can result from:

• Diarrhea and vomiting.
• Lack of adequate water intake.
• Drinking too much alcohol, which can cause a hangover.
• Heavy sweating from exercise, physical activity or heat. Exercising in higher altitudes also increases the risk of dehydration.
• Some medications, such as diuretics (water pills) to treat heart failure and other conditions. Water pills help your body get rid of excess fluid and salt.