Dehydration Axia College of University of Phoenix Jamie O’Neal More than half of the human body weight is from water. (Water and Minerals) Without knowing any further information than that one should be able to assume that replenishing any water lost from the body would be highly important. Water could be considered a “universal solvent.” Much like the oil in a vehicle water helps to lubricate the internal workings of the body. It lubricates the joints so that they can move more freely, it lubricates the mouth so that we may eat more efficiently and it lubricates the bowels so that we can comfortably excrete waste. On the cellular level water acts to equalize the levels, or concentration, of the vitamins, minerals and other particles. Because water can travel between and through most areas of the body it can “pick up” particles along the way and distribute to the locations where they are needed. An example would be, if one area of the body had a high concentration of iron (or any other substance) water would relocate the unneeded portions of iron to other parts of the body. If it is not needed anywhere else water would carry it to the proper location to be discharged from the body. If the body is not given the water it needs to function smoothly it will begin to show signs of distress. First will be low level warnings such as dry mouth, headache, fatigue and thirst. Then, if the dehydration if allowed to continue more serious signs will emerge; nausea, muscle cramps, decreased urination and increased body temperature are just a few of the common signs. If still not treated,dehydration can become life threatening. Vomiting, muscle spasms, confusion and blurred vision are signs of severe dehydration and must be treated immediately. In the human body there are electrolytes, “substances that separate in water to form positively and negatively charged ions that conduct an electrical current.” (Sodium, Potassium and Chloride are Electrolytes Page 287) They are...