Long-Term Effects of Chronic Dehydration

Water is like liquid gold for humans. When we don't get enough of it, we experience dehydration — a potentially dangerous condition that has many uncomfortable symptoms and can lead to further, more severe complications.

While you can stop mild dehydration in its tracks by drinking more water, chronic dehydration is a different story. 

What Is Chronic Dehydration?

Chronic dehydration occurs when a person consistently loses more water than they take in over a long period. You've likely heard that water makes up most of an adult human's body. Drinking enough of it is vital for your well-being, from sustaining your energy levels to maintaining a healthy weight.

Most Americans do not drink enough water, with 75% consuming only two and a half cups — or less — each day. On average, women should drink around 11 ½ cups daily, and men should drink about 15 ½ cups. 

 Along with insufficient fluid intake, the following can cause chronic dehydration: 

• Prolonged illness: Fluids leave your body when you sweat from a fever, have diarrhea or vomit. When you are not feeling well, it can be tricky to replenish these lost fluids — especially if you are nauseous. 
• Excessive sweating: If you are an athlete, work out often or spend much of your time in hot and sunny weather, you probably sweat a lot. When you sweat, you lose fluids and electrolytes, which are essential minerals that help your body function at its best. 
• Frequent urination: Certain medications, like diuretics, or medical conditions, like diabetes, can make you need to use the bathroom more often than usual.

Long-Term Effects of Chronic Dehydration

Over time, chronic dehydration negatively affects your body and can lead to serious conditions. Here are some of the long-term effects of dehydration:

• Impact on organs: If you are frequently dehydrated or experience prolonged dehydration, you may be more prone to urinary tract infections, kidney stones and kidney failure. 
• Skin and joint health: When you are well-hydrated, your joints are lubricated. A lack of fluids can lead to joint pain, as there is no cushion to protect your bones. You might also experience dry and itchy patches of skin. 
• Digestive system: Dehydration can cause constipation. The water content in the gastrointestinal tract decreases when one is dehydrated, resulting in hard stools. 
• Immune function: Staying hydrated supports your immune system. Dehydration keeps the factors that make up your immune system, such as your white blood cells, from doing their job efficiently. Additionally, drinking enough water helps keep your lymphatic system — a vital part of your immune system — healthy.
• Energy levels and mood: Besides a dip in energy levels, lacking fluids can cause fuzzy short-term memory. Dehydration can also increase your chances of experiencing anxiety or depression.

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Dehydration

Many people don't know that they are dehydrated, which is dangerous because severe dehydration can contribute to life-threatening conditions when left untreated. Luckily, there are various signs that can tell you it's time to rehydrate — always listen to what your body is trying to tell you. 

Be on the lookout for the following chronic dehydration symptoms: 

• Constantly feeling tired and feeling sluggish
• Frequent headaches and dizziness
• Dark urine or not urinating enough
• Muscle cramps and joint pain
• Dry skin

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should take your hydration seriously. Drinking water and eating hydrating foods can be helpful, and IV therapy can also help support your hydration goals. 

How IV Therapy Can Address Chronic Dehydration

IV therapy involves delivering fluids straight into a person's bloodstream to help with various medical concerns, including chronic dehydration. The benefits of hydration IV therapy include: 

• Speedy rehydration: IV therapy sends fluids directly into your bloodstream via your veins, allowing you to recover much faster and notice near-instant relief. Unlike oral medications, this treatment bypasses your gastric system to rapidly hydrate your organs and tissues.
• Replaced electrolytes: IV therapy also helps with the electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration. IV solutions can contain minerals like magnesium to help restore your body's balance. IV therapy has a high absorption rate and is considered one of the most effective electrolyte imbalance treatments. 
• Restored nutrients: IV therapy is a great way to get nutrients into your system. When chronic dehydration is caused by chronic illness, replacing lost nutrients is essential to helping you feel better. IV solutions can include vitamins, electrolytes and other key compounds.

At Mobile IV Nurses, a typical IV treatment takes between 45 and 60 minutes. Once the treatment is complete, most of our patients report feeling much better. 

Who Can Benefit From IV Therapy for Dehydration? 

Anyone can benefit from hydrating IV therapy, as anyone can become dehydrated. However, this treatment is especially ideal for those who have a higher risk of chronic dehydration:

• Athletes: Whether you are a professional or recreational athlete, constantly exerting yourself probably means you sweat a lot. Replenishing your fluids and electrolytes can play a big role in your performance and recovery.
• Frequent travelers: Air travel can be surprisingly dehydrating due to airplane's low humidity levels. When combined with the low oxygen pressure in the cabin, water evaporates from your skin and lungs. After a long flight, a hydrating IV treatment can be just what you need to feel fresh. 
• People with chronic illnesses: If you have a condition such as kidney disease or diabetes, you may urinate often. You may also take medication that can increase your trips to the bathroom even further. Along with helping you stay hydrated, IV therapy can reinforce a sense of health. 
• Those who struggle to drink water: Some people forget to drink water or don't like how it tastes. If this sounds like you, an IV drip can help get your body back to a healthy state. However, once your fluids have been replenished, you must do your best to monitor your water intake.

Popular IV Therapy Options for Hydration

We offer several hydrating options for IV therapy for dehydration.

1. Purely Saline IV Therapy Package

Our Purely Saline IV Therapy Package includes a drip of up to 1,000 cubic centimeters (cc) of powerful hydration fluids. As its name suggests, this IV solution only contains sterile water and sodium chloride — no added vitamins or minerals. However, you can add ingredients like vitamin C, magnesium or zinc if you prefer. 

This package is ideal if you simply want to replenish lost fluids or are looking for high-quality, budget-friendly hydration. 

2. Myers' Cocktail

Due to its blend of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, we usually recommend the Myers' Cocktail. This solution contains ingredients that help combat chronic dehydration, such as: 

• B complex vitamins: These help promote red blood cell production, which impacts energy levels.
• Vitamin C: This antioxidant fights free radicals, improves skin health and is good for your immune system.
• Magnesium: Along with increasing energy production, this mineral supports your muscle and nerve function. 
• Zinc: This nutrient is also good for your immune system and can improve your metabolism. 
• Glutathione: This is another free radical-fighting antioxidant.

With this powerful blend, your energy levels will likely return to normal, allowing you to seize the day once again. You can also expect to be alleviated of some additional symptoms, ranging from headaches to muscle cramps. 

3. NAD+ Package

NAD+ is an acronym for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme that humans naturally produce. It helps with almost every single bodily function. Adding NAD+ to your IV treatment will help hydrate you, relieve the fatigue associated with chronic dehydration and optimize your nutrition. 

This coenzyme may also promote cell regeneration, which supports healthy neuron functions. Plus, by giving you more energy and repairing your neurons, NAD+ might also improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. 

Book an Appointment With Mobile IV Nurses

When you need IV therapy for dehydration, the team at Mobile IV Nurses is here for you. We help our patients find relief from symptoms and restore their health from the comfort of their homes, businesses or hotel rooms. All you have to do is check for a location near you and schedule your treatment. We will come to you!

With support from our licensed team, you can be assured that you will receive top-notch care. To find relief from your chronic dehydration, book an appointment with us today.