Dehydration Symptoms In Eating Disorders
More Than 10 Ways To Tell If You're Dehydrated

Dehydration symptoms are common in eating disorders like anorexia. How do you know if you’re dehydrated? Be mindful of the following stages and symptoms of dehydration because they can be dangerous, and sometimes lethal.

A great number of people with eating disorders routinely engage in vomiting (purging) rituals, as well as the abuse of diuretics and laxatives.

Do I need to say it? This is really, really dangerous! It perpetuates dehydration symptoms and really doesn't get the person anywhere - except dehydrated.

They believe that it will help them lose weight, which it might in the beginning. However, this "success" is short-lived.

All of the above behaviors deplete the body of the necessary nutrients and fluids that it needs to functions properly. They also cause chronic dehydration if those fluids are not adequately replaced.

It's also not uncommon for some anorexics and bulimics to be quite restrictive with their fluid intake. Complaints often revolve around the fact that drinking water or other fluids makes them feel bloated and fat, so they refuse to drink much of anything at all.

This is why dehydration symptoms are frequently seen as part of the big picture of malnutrition -- which, in turn, is at the core of most eating disorders.

Stages Of Dehydration - Symptoms For Each

There are actually different types -- or stages -- of dehydration, and they range from mild - (approx. 2% fluid loss), to moderate - (approx. 5% fluid loss) to severe - (approx. 10% fluid loss).

The signs and symptoms mentioned here are not all-encompassing. You might experience some, most, or even none of the conditions listed below. If you have any concerns about your own situation, speak with your doctor or dietitian.

Signs of mild dehydration:

• Feeling thirsty
• Lack of appetite
• Feeling tired or weak
• Dry mouth; decreased saliva production
• Light-headedness; "head rush"

Signs of dehydration - moderate:

• Muscle cramps, especially in the legs and feet
• "Dehydration headache"
• Rapid heart beat
• Feeling nauseous
• Tingling sensation in hands and feet

The following are signs of severe dehydration. If you experience any of these dehydration symptoms, it is considered an emergency! Call 911 and get help immediately:

• Impaired vision
• Vomiting
• Chest pain - racing heartbeat
• Muscle spasms
• Abdominal pain
• Trouble breathing
• Sunken eyes
• Painful urination
• Passing out; unconsciousness (falling blood pressure)

Dehydration Symptoms And Dehydration Effects On The Body

The effects of dehydration are hazardous to your overall health, and may result in permanent damage or even death.

When combined with low potassium levels or other medical consequences of malnutrition, becoming dehydrated may produce irreversible kidney damage. There can also be a pretty high risk of decreased kidney function, and/or the formation of kidney stones.

If blood pressure falls too much, many vital organs --such as the brain -- cannot get enough oxygen or blood supply in order for them to function properly. This can cause electrolyte imbalance, shock, confusion, coma or death.

Treatment Of Dehydration Symptoms

It's important to recognize that if you're dehydrated, treatment can take on many forms. Some even say that prevention is the best medicine!

For average, healthy, adults, most experts suggest a fluid intake of 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses of water per day.

Obviously, this is an estimate because the more active your are, or if you live in a drier climate, you might require more.

Having said that, if you do find that you're experiencing any of the above mild or moderate dehydration symptoms, you need to increase your fluid intake as soon as possible -- and not with coffee, tea or soda, please ;) The caffeine in these products is counter-productive in the treatment of dehydration.

Gatorade is often consumed by athletes because it helps balance the electrolytes. That and water (with the obligatory lemon slice!) might just be your best choices here.

If you need to be treated for severe dehydration, medical professionals will typically first determine the cause of dehydration, and then conduct a full assessment of your overall condition in order to create a personalized treatment plan.

They will take into account any medications that have been prescribed to you, and consider the impact of other health issues (such as eating disorders).

Dehydration symptoms can have serious consequences. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one, seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

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