About this Research Topic

Background

Water is essential for the body to maintain proper function. Water deficit is caused by insufficient fluid replacement compared to fluid losses or requirements. Water deficit occurs on a daily circadian, basis, with fluid losses through the skin, respiration, urine, sweat, and feces. Health condition, ambient temperature and humidity, smoking, exercise, diarrhea, vomiting can increase water loss and risk of water deficit.

Seniors are at a higher risk of dehydration because their bodies have a lower water content, and they may not feel thirsty even when they are dehydrated. Additionally, many seniors take medications that can increase the risk of dehydration by increasing urine output or affecting the body's ability to regulate fluid levels.

Population groups with limited access to clean drinking water (minors and low income, rural, and housing insecure individuals) are vulnerable to water deficit. Community or systems barriers to water access, leading to insufficient water intake may contribute to population health disparities, including obesity, diabetes, and mortality.
Dehydration can result in various health issues, including headaches, dizziness, constipation, and urinary tract infections. Severe cases may lead to seizures, kidney failure, or even death. Hospitalized older patients with dehydration face increased mortality risks.

To address the problem of dehydration we are always told to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially during hot weather or periods of physical activity, and avoid sugary and alcoholic drinks, which can increase dehydration. Also, older adults and those with medical conditions should be aware of the signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, and feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and to seek medical attention if they suspect dehydration. Despite this advice, there is still a significant unresolved debate regarding the optimal amount and form of water consumption. The lack of consensus on specific recommendations highlights the need for accurate technology to track liquid intake and prompt users to maintain hydration.

We aim to establish a comprehensive research topic that incorporates primary research, case reports or patient perspectives, clinical trials, and up-to-date reviews, with the goal of developing a respected knowledge hub that can inform advancements in essential public health services, research, policy, and practice, to promote hydration. This research topic will consider manuscripts for publication on themes that include, but are not limited to:

• Causes and consequences of water deficit
• Vulnerable populations and those with limited water access
• Optimal water consumption recommendations
• Novel methods for assessing and tracking hydration status
• Public health, research, policy, and practice approaches to promoting hydration

Keywords: Water deficit, Dehydration, Hydration, Vulnerable populations, Optimal water consumption, Health issues, Fluid intake, Dehydration symptoms, Public health, Hydration promotion

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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