Shortage of natural body fluids or so-called dehydration can cause a decrease in stamina, concentration, can even be fatal. Compared with men, women were more vulnerable to negative effects of dehydration, especially in the decline in cognitive ability and mood.
The world expert on hydration and Harris R. Lieberman, a specialist neuro-cognition, to mention dehydration by 1.5 percent in men will cause a drop in concentration and memory, fatigue and tension. Meanwhile, the woman was already felt the negative effects of dehydration as 1.3 percent.
"Women are more sensitive to the effects of fluid deprivation. Dehydration of 1.3 percent already have the impact that lack of dehydration in men 1.5 percent of body fluids. In women even coupled with the effects of headaches," said Dr.dr.Saptawati Bardosono, Sp.GK, when describing the latest research.
He added, in addition to hormonal factors, differences in the influence of dehydration is also due to differences in body composition of men and women. "Men composition of muscle is higher, while the higher the fat lady so that components are also more water," said a faculty member in the course of Nutritional Sciences Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia.
Studies conducted in 2010 that involved 20 healthy adult women who have a habit of drinking water as much as 2-3 liters a day. They were then asked to fast for 23 hours drinking water and performance on cognitive tests. The study shows their decreased concentration, fatigue, drowsiness, headache and disturbed mood quickly.
Another speaker, dr.Luciana Sutanto, Sp.GK mention of chronic dehydration is often asymptomatic because the body has its own adaptation mechanism. "When the body lacks the fluids he would send a signal of thirst. In the body's own blood plasma coagulation occurs so that will be issued certain hormones that cause the use of water saving in the form of a small amount of urine," he explained.
Luciana suggested that body balance is maintained in a way to take in enough fluids before the onset of his thirst. "Do not ignore thirst because it is a sign of the body," he said.
Symptoms and signs of dehydration can be minor, such as increased thirst, or severe and life-threatening, depending on the extent of the dehydration. Along with thirst, initial symptoms of dehydration include reduced urine output and darkening of the urine as it becomes more concentrated. If the condition progresses, other symptoms develop, including dry mouth, decreased perspiration, lightheadedness, muscle cramps, weakness, palpitations, and absent tear production by the eyes. The skin may feel cool and clammy. Confusion, organ failure, and coma leading to death eventually occur if dehydration is not corrected.