Do not Ignore Dehydration

Water is so important for the body. However, often the lifeblood element was forgotten or not taken into account in the daily intake. Bambang (50), residents of Kampung Baru, North Jakarta, when asked how much water / pure who drank daily, fell silent, thinking. Indira Permanasari

Do not know for sure, though. Usually, I drink depends on the condition of the body only. When sick, drink more, "said Bambang.

Other residents, Yaniati (38), catapult matching answers. "I usually drink when I'm thirsty. Let baseball drag the throat, "he said. For Yaniati, more water as a complementary food. Both residents were admitted to not having difficulty in obtaining drinking water. They buy water refill USD 3.500/galon.

Lack of accounting for water consumption is reflected in the research, The Indonesian hydration Study (Thirst). Found, 46 percent of adolescents and adults experiencing mild dehydration or the body of water shortage. More to the eastern part of Indonesia, the condition is getting worse due to limited access to clean water. The study was conducted on urine samples in the laboratory than 1,200 in Jakarta, Lembang, Surabaya, Malang, Makassar, and Malino.

Chairman of the Indonesian Food Pergizi, Thirst and researcher, Prof. Hardinsyah, opinion, people often do not know the importance of water consumption. "Another problem, there is difficulty of access to water physically and economically. Natural conditions, and lack of infrastructure affect access to clean water, "he said in a symposium titled" hydration and Health "held Nutrition Indonesian Medical Doctor Association (PDGMI) the end of March.

Based on data from the Department of Public Works, through the piped drinking water services in large cities 45 percent, in the village of 10 percent, and nationally by 24 percent. Usually people get water from contaminated wells drilled by dense residential neighborhood or buying a water wagon / jerry cans are expensive.

In fact, water is essential for the body. Most of the human body consists of water. Water content in the body of a newborn 80 percent, on the body 70 percent of normal adults, and elderly people 50 percent. In fact, the moisture content of the fetus 100 percent. Organs of the body was filled with water. Water content in organs, like brain, kidney, heart, and lungs, respectively 70-80 percent range. Not surprisingly, water is essential for the body. All body systems depend on water. Without water, biological reactions in the body can not be accomplished. The body can not produce its own water adequately through metabolism, which is only about 20 percent, so it requires the input from the outside.

Chairman of the Indonesian Medical Association Physician Nutrition (PDGMI) Rachmi Untoro say, in general, beneficial water to regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, moisten mucous tissues (mouth, eyes and nose), ease the burden on the kidneys, and bring nutrients.

Maintain water balance

The human body is smart in keeping the water balance. Thirst, for example, is a natural mechanism to maintain the intake of water in the body. "When thirsty, your body actually has overdo the water shortage. Drink before feeling thirsty, "said Hardinsyah.

In order for the body's need for water (pure) provided for take 30 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight. In general, water consumption per person of at least 1.5 to 2 liters per day (8-10 glasses per day). Pregnant women, nursing mothers, people exercising, and people in cold environments need more. Water consumption was "scattered" throughout the day ranging from drinking after getting out of bed until late at night.

Safe drinking water is a colorless, odorless, or taste. Also, water should not contain harmful substances, are not contaminated pesticides, fungi, metals, and other materials that are harmful to the body. In densely populated urban areas, water is sometimes polluted, causing various diseases, ranging from diarrhea to poisoning. If the measured acidity, water pH range 6-8. Other liquids, like coffee or tea, which became a favorite of society can not replace the role of pure water.

Maintain water balance in the body is important because the body works, the water released back in the form of urine is about 1 liter per day, through perspiration and airways about 1 liter (depending on air temperature), and some others thrown together with feces. Activity, the condition of the body during illness such as fever, air humidity also affect spending on water in the body. People in cold regions, for example, water needs a lot more because of the relatively large evaporation.

Lack of water in the body should not be taken lightly. 1 percent of body water shortages cause thirst and mood disorders (mood). Lack of stamina down 2-3 percent, up 4 percent lower to 25 percent of physical ability. In fact, it could collapse if water shortages reach 7 percent. Lack of fluid intake, especially water, increasing the risk of kidney stone disease, urinary tract infections, colon cancer, constipation, obesity, stroke, brain blood vessels, and other disorders. If the water content decreases in body organs, reduced organ function and more easily exposed to bacteria or viruses.

Conversely, too much drinking water is also bad. For example, electrolyte balance disorders, among others, concentration of sodium down to dangerous levels. In fact, the electrolyte used in cells to remove fluid and transmit nerve messages into and out of cells and eventually to the entire body. As a result, the body does not function properly. If not treated, can appear symptoms of nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness, until a fatal condition.

How practical and easy to find the body hydration level is by checking the color of his own urine. Pale-colored urine, does not smell like lemon water color indicates good hydration status. However, orange urine color (dark) and indicates the body is less smelly liquid.

"All the urine can be used instead of urine origin morning waking. The best is to use a mid-stream urine, the urine comes out in the middle when we urinate, "said Rachmi. However, sometimes the color of urine is affected certain medications or diet. People who take vitamin B-complex, for example, urine is more yellow.

To fix the water shortage problems are widespread in society, Hardinsyah sighted, balanced nutrition that promoted the government will need to add water as one element. So far, the calculation of the nutritional value is more likely to be associated with solids. Entering the water in the diet will have a major impact on public health improvement.