Dehydration and Eating Disorders
Disordered Eating Leads to Serious Water Loss Within the Body
Apr 27, 2009
When fluid loss in the body is swifter than the replenishing of it, a condition known as dehydration occurs. Starvation, and purging through the use of diuretics, laxatives and vomiting, all result in fluid/water loss.
The Consequences of Dehydration
Serious fluid loss accounts for the depletion of salt and potassium levels which can negatively impact the functioning of the heart.
Water weight loss in not the same as fat loss. Losing water weight can be lethal.
Water and the Human Body
The human body consists of 50-75% water. Not only does the human body require water to sustain life, but so do all living organisms, including plants and animals. Water is contained within and around the cells.
Water is a necessary element for the body to routinely carry on its functions and for processing nutrients (transforming them into energy) and ridding the body of waste products.
People can generally live without water for about a week. If more than 20% of the normal water content is lost, within humans, the result is an excruciating demise. Humans should drink or take in about two and a half quarts of water a day, either through beverages or the intake of food items.
Signs of Dehydration
There are stages of dehydration and signs for each. The early stage consists of the following:
- The desire to drink or a thirst sensation;
- Urination decreases as the body tries to compensate for the loss or lower levels of water;
- Urine color intensifies;
- A dry mouth sensation;
- Dry eyes;
- Sore muscles(cramps);
- The urge to vomit along with a nausea sensation; and,
- Feeling faint or light-headed.
More Intense Signs of Dehydration
As dehydration intensifies the following symptoms will occur:
- Stress upon the blood vessels as they try to maintain blood pressure;
- The heart rate must increase, because loss of fluid impacts the blood supply pumped to the body;
- As the important bodily organs receive less blood, confusion and weakness results; and,
- If dehydration is not remedied, the end results could be coma and organ failure.
Dehydration and Kidney Failure
If blood pressure falls and the level of fluid inside the cell spaces (intravascular) falls as well, kidney failure is likely to ensue. This happens because the blood volume level necessary for this organ as well as other organs to perform their functions is lacking.
Should this happen to the brain, coma and confusion are the results. Death can be the final consequence due to the inability of enough organs to function appropriately.
What is Shock?
Related to the aforementioned is a condition known as shock. When too much fluid is lost and the body fails to compensate for the loss, hypotension, or the plummeting level of blood pressure ensues. Consequently, the appropriate oxygen levels fall, causing the bodily organs to fail in their pertinent functions.
Electrolyte Imbalance
When dehydration occurs and the amount of electrolytes falls, heart rhythm and muscle problems follow. Though rehydration is possible, if done too quickly or too slowly, more negative consequences are likely to follow as well.
The functions of the human body are like a magnificent, intricate, interrelated system. If one system malfunctions severely enough, it will negatively impact or cause other systems to negatively malfunction, thus causing a ripple effect. Losing water through starvation, vomiting, diuretics and/or laxatives can lead to fatal consequences. It cannot be stressed enough how serious disordered eating is.
Related Articles:
Osteoporosis and Eating Disorders
Note to the reader: This article is not intended to treat or diagnose a problem or condition. If there are concerns, please seek professional assistance.
Sources
Library.thinkquest.org
Medicinenet.com
Kidshealth.org
DrPhil.com
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