Our bodies are made up of about two-thirds water. We only need the total water level to drop by as little as a few percent for us to become dehydrated – that is, lacking in water. This can eventually lead to problems, such as kidney stones, damage to the liver, muscles and joints, and seizures. Having Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis – the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - can sometimes increase the risk of becoming dehydrated. This information sheet looks at why this may happen and some ways to prevent and treat it.
Dehydration is a loss of too much fluid from the body. The body needs water in order to maintain normal functioning. If your body loses too much fluid - more than you are getting from your food and liquids - your body loses electrolytes. Electrolytes include important nutrients like sodium and potassium which your body needs to work normally. A person can be at risk for dehydration in any season, not just the summer months. It is also important to know that elderly individuals are at heightened risk for dehydration because their bodies have a lower water content than younger people. The human body is roughly 75 percent water. Without this water, it cannot survive. Water is found inside cells, within blood vessels, and between cells.
A sophisticated water management system keeps our water levels balanced, and our thirst mechanism tells us when we need to increase fluid intake. Dehydration must be treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. When your body becomes dehydrated, drastic changes can immediately occur. Research has shown that dehydration decreases brain tissue fluid, which can result in changes in brain volume. Your blood becomes thicker as well, straining your cardiovascular system by making your heart work harder. To make matters worse, dehydration compromises your body’s ability to regulate its temperature.