Drinking water and other fluids is not the only way to stay hydrated

Dehydration results from excessive loss of water and electrolytes from the body. [iStockphoto]

When the temperatures rise, it is very easy to get dehydrated. However, staying hydrated depends on many factors other than climate; your fluid intake, your diet and your level of activity are three important ones.

Human beings lose fluid through sweat, tears, vomiting, urine or diarrhoea. If one of these functions increases for any reason then you might end up dehydrated - this, in medical terms is when your blood becomes more concentrated, making your cardiovascular system work harder to efficiently pump blood. A high blood concentration also makes your kidneys retain more water, which is why you urinate less.

In short, according to Doctors Without Borders Medical Guidelines, dehydration results from excessive loss of water and electrolytes from the body.