Danger! HOTSummer Weather May Lead to Dehydration For WLS Patients

Following bariatric surgery for weight loss patients are instructed in the Four Rules of weight loss surgery; the second of which is drink lots of water. This rule is of particular importance during the warm summer months when perspiration and elimination cause greater water losses and the potential for dehydration increases.

Water constitutes about 60 percent of an adult's body weight. In the body, water becomes the fluid in which all life processes occur. Water in the body fluids carries nutrients and waste products throughout the body; maintains cell structure and participates in metabolic reactions; serves as the solvent for minerals, vitamins, amino acids, glucose and other small molecules, acts as a lubricant around joints, the spinal cord and inside the eyes; aids in the regulation of normal body temperature and maintains blood volume. To support these vital functions, and others, the body actively maintains an appropriate water balance. When the body is short of water the condition known as dehydration results.

Dehydration is the condition in which body water output exceeds water input meaning we eliminate and perspire more fluid than we ingest. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry skin and mucous membranes, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure and weakness. When a message of thirst is unanswered the symptoms of dehydration may progress rapidly from thirst to weakness, exhaustion, and delirium and end in death of not corrected. Dehydration may easily develop with either water deprivation or excessive water losses.

To avoid dehydration and illness caused by insufficient water balance weight loss surgery patients can take the following measures to insure adequate water intake:

Lots of Water. The second rule of weight loss surgery is drink lots of water. During the initial stage of weight loss this is key in flushing fat and toxins from the body and keeping all metabolic processes functioning smoothly. To ensure enough water is consumed a good measure is to drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight. Water intake should occur throughout the day.

Fortified Beverages. Vitamin and mineral fortified beverages are beneficial to some weight loss surgery patients. The flavoring makes them more palatable making it easier to consume generous amounts of water. Be certain to enjoy only non-calorie fortified beverages that do not contain sugar or other high calorie sweeteners.

Green Tea or Sun Tea. Freshly brewed green tea or herbal tea served over ice and sweetened with non-calorie sweeteners is another good way to stay hydrated during warm summer weather. The health benefits of green tea and herbal tea may contribute favorably to a well-planned health and weight management program.

Water Containing Foods. Many foods contain a high percentage of water that contribute to body hydration. Enjoy vegetables and fruits such as strawberries, watermelon, lettuce, cabbage, celery, spinach, apples, grapes, citrus, and carrots. All of these foods contain more than 80 percent water which will contribute to hydration and provide a valuable source of vitamins and minerals.

Kaye Bailey (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved

Article Source: Danger! Warm Summer Weather May Lead to Dehydration For Weight Loss Surgery Patients