Water plays an important role in many processes in the human body. It is responsible for the transportation of nutrients into the body’s cells, but also for the removal of waste products from the body. If the water supply is disrupted, various clinical pictures, including chronic diseases, can develop.

Chronic illnesses accompanied by dehydration

Heart diseases
Obesity
Diabetes
rheumatoid arthritis
Stomach ulcers
High blood pressure
Multiple sclerosis
Alzheimer’s and
Cancer and other chronic diseases

Cell activity is significantly restricted if the supply is out of balance. The body’s cells are dependent on a sufficient supply of water. Normally there is more water inside the cell than outside. If the body is dehydrated, the cells can lose 28 percent or more of their water volume. This significantly reduces overall cell activity – regardless of whether it is skin, stomach, liver, kidney, heart or brain cells. In the case of cellular dehydration    med.: Volumenmangel der extrazellulären Flüssigkeit, u.a. des Blutplasmas – dem Körper wird weniger Flüssigkeit zugef..., the waste products can no longer be disposed of properly. This leads to various symptoms that are indicators of a disturbed water balance.

When cell dehydration occurs, the body accumulates more and more extracellular water in order to neutralize the acids and toxins or to keep them in solution so that they cannot damage the organs. This condition is noticeable in those affected by water retention in the legs, feet, arms and/or face. The kidneys can also retain water, which is noticeable through reduced urination. In addition to the water, however, the toxins it contains are also retained.

Dehydration and pain

Dehydration and pain are also closely linked. The brain responds to a growing lack of water by activating the neurotransmitter histamine. The histamine then instructs certain subordinate water regulation mechanisms to redistribute the amount of water in circulation. If the histamine and the other regulators move via pain-registering nerve pathways, they can trigger severe and persistent pain.

These pain signals can then manifest themselves as the following complaints, among others:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Indigestion
Problems in the lower back
Fibromyalgia
Neuralgia
Migraine
Psoriasis

The pain alerts the patient to the fact that dehydration is present and that it is imperative that they eliminate it. Pain is caused by blockages. Pain is always a sign of resistance. This resistance can either be caused by a physical blockage, such as constipation or lymph congestion. These blockages must be recognized and resolved.

Endorphins as the body’s own painkiller

The experience of pain causes the body’s own substances, known as endorphins, to be released, which act as natural painkillers. Of course, in exceptional cases it may be necessary to use painkillers at short notice – especially if the pain is unbearable. At the same time, however, dehydration of the cells should be counteracted.

Many patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, MS or other degenerative diseases are put on cortisone medication. This treatment often leads to an increase in energy in the body – but only for a short period of time. The increase in energy levels caused by cortisone only lasts as long as the body is able to tap into existing energy and vital substance reserves. Once the body has used up its energy reserves, the energy level continues to fall and the symptoms of the illness worsen considerably.

Chronic diseases: Constriction of the blood vessels due to dehydration

The constriction of the blood vessels is also caused by a lack of water. If the body cells are not sufficiently supplied with water, the pituitary gland produces the neurotransmitter vasopressin. This hormone has the ability to constrict blood vessels as soon as there is a lack of water in certain areas. During dehydration, vasopressin constricts the arteries and capillaries to reduce their fluid volume. This is necessary so that the circulation system continues to have sufficient pressure and a constant flow of water can reach the cells.

High blood pressure often occurs in people who are dehydrated. Something similar happens in the bile ducts of the liver. These contract due to the lack of water. The formation of gallstones is a direct consequence of dehydration.

The renin-angiotensin (RA) system is activated as soon as there is a lack of water in the body. This system instructs the body to retain water where possible. It affects kidney activity and constricts the capillaries, especially in areas that are not as vital as the brain and heart muscle. At the same time, the RA system ensures a higher sodium intake. The increased sodium content helps the body to retain water. As long as the body does not have a sufficient amount of water again, this system remains active. However, this also means that the blood pressure on the vascular walls is exceptionally high and can thus contribute to various heart diseases. The high blood pressure and impaired kidney function can ultimately lead to kidney damage.

Kidney damage due to dehydration

The kidneys ensure that waste products and excess fluid are excreted. They also maintain the important balance between salt, potassium and acids. The kidneys produce a hormone, erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the production of red blood cells. Other hormones produced by the kidneys help to maintain blood pressure and calcium    Chemisches Element Ca mit der Ordnungszahl 20, Mineralstoff, der zu den Mengenelementen zählt. Unter den Mineralstoffen ha... levels. The kidneys also synthesize hormones that control tissue growth. If the kidneys are damaged, other organs are automatically affected.

Crystals and stones form in the kidneys when components of the urine that are normally present in solution precipitate. This precipitation occurs when the urine is too concentrated or when these particles occur in excessive quantities. The crystals or stones generally have sharp edges, which can then cause injury to the ureter. This often causes severe pain in the groin area or lower back.

Most stones form in the kidneys, but some can also form in the bladder. Large stones that penetrate one of the ureters impede urine excretion. This can lead to serious complications such as kidney inflammation or kidney failure.

The processing of purines produces uric acid in the body, which is passed on to the kidneys and excreted in the urine. If the kidneys are unable to dispose of all the uric acid, it is deposited first in those parts of the body with the poorest blood supply, such as the toes and fingers. This can cause the joints to become stiff and immobile.

In summary, it can be said that consistent hydration and therefore regular and sufficient drinking is incredibly important to prevent chronic diseases.