Your colon absorbs water, salt, and nutrients from the foods you eat. Your colon then forms stools. Stools are stored in your rectum. Stools are passed out of your body when you have a bowel movement. If you have diarrhea, the water, salt and nutrients will pass to fast through your colon. The colon doesn’t have enough time to absorb the fluids, resulting in loose or watery stools.

Diarrhea can cause a depletion of the levels of sodium potassium and other electrolytes in your body. When you have diarrhea your body loses a lot of water, which can cause dehydration. Children and elederly are especially at risk. Most diarrhea is caused by viruses or bacteria that gets into your intestinal tract through water or food. Some other causes of diarrhea are illness, food allergies, antibiotis, or a change in your normal diet.

Signs of Dehydration

• dark colored urine
• infrequent urinating
• prolonged vomiting
• fast heartbeat
• high fever
• no tears when crying
• sucken eyes
• dry mouth

To prevent dehydration you should drink plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine, they can actually cause dehydration. You should pick such drinks as fruit juices that are high in potassium, to encourage the retention of electrolytes. You should however avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. You should also try to avoid dairy products.