Dehydration

What Does It Mean?

Dehydration is a condition characterized by an insufficient amount of water in the body to maintain normal physiological functions. It can result from excessive fluid loss, inadequate intake, or a combination of both. Dehydration can affect electrolyte balance, blood pressure regulation, and cellular metabolism, leading to significant health consequences if left unaddressed.

How Did We Get There?

Root Causes of Dehydration

• Inadequate Fluid Intake – Failure to consume sufficient fluids due to illness, lifestyle factors, or cognitive impairment.
• Excessive Fluid Loss – Commonly due to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, or diuretic medications.
• Electrolyte Imbalance – Loss of sodium, potassium, and chloride disrupts hydration and cellular function.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders – Conditions like IBS, Crohn's disease, and food poisoning contribute to excessive fluid loss.
• Metabolic Imbalances – Unregulated diabetes and kidney dysfunction can lead to increased urination and dehydration.
• Adrenal Dysfunction – Chronic stress and adrenal fatigue can impair aldosterone production, leading to sodium imbalance and dehydration.

Signs & Symptoms

Patients with dehydration may present with:

• Dry mouth and extreme thirst
• Dizziness, fatigue, and weakness
• Decreased urine output (dark yellow urine)
• Muscle cramps and headaches
• Rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure
• Cognitive impairment and confusion
• Dry skin with poor elasticity (tenting when pinched)

Lab Test Findings

Below are the expected lab changes associated with dehydration:

Lab Test Name	Expected Changes	Optimal Range
Albumin	Increased	4.50-5.00 g/dL
Albumin : Globulin Ratio	Increased	1.40-2.10
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	Increased	10.00-16.00
Calcium	Increased	8.90-9.50 mg/dL
Chloride	Increased	100.00-106.00 mg/dL
Color	Dark Yellow/amber	Yellow
Creatinine	Increased	0.80-1.10 mg/dL
Calcium Carbonate Crystals Hemoglobin Hyaline Cast	Present Increased Present	NONE 13.50-14.50 g/dL NONE
Magnesium, Serum	Decreased	2.20-2.50 mg/dL
Phosphorus (Phosphate)	Increased	3.00-4.00 mg/dL
Potassium	Increased	4.00-4.50 mEq/L
RBC	Increased	4.20-4.90 Cells/µL
Sodium	Increased	137.00-142,00 mEq/L
Specific Gravity	Increased	1.005-1.030
Total Protein	Increased	6.90-7.40 g/dL
Transparency (Clarity)	Cloudy or turbid	Clear
Triple Phosphate Crystals	Increased	None

How Do We Treat It?

Functional Medicine focuses on restoring hydration, optimizing electrolyte balance, and addressing the root cause of fluid depletion.

Supplement Protocol

Supplement	Function	Dosage & Frequency
Magnesium	Supports hydration, muscle function, and stress response.	2 capsules with or without food, daily
Endura	Provides essential electrolytes for rehydration and cellular balance.	1 packet with or without food, twice daily

Additional Lifestyle Interventions:

• Increase Water Intake: Encourage consistent hydration with filtered water and herbal teas.
• Monitor Electrolytes: Ensure adequate sodium, potassium, and magnesium intake for optimal cellular function.
• Address Root Causes: Manage conditions like diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, and GI disorders contributing to fluid loss.
• Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and bone broth.
• Avoid Diuretics: Limit excessive caffeine, alcohol, and medications that promote dehydration unless medically necessary.