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Published on: May 26, 2022
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce anxiety, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety, or by a combination of both. These thoughts and behaviors can be classified into four categories: cleaning/washing, checking, counting, and symmetry. People with OCD often feel ashamed and embarrassed about their condition and may keep it secret. They may worry that others will think they are crazy or dirty. But OCD is actually a very common disorder. About 1 in 40 adults has OCD. It can occur at any age but often starts during adolescence or early adulthood.

OCD can manifest in many different ways. For some people, OCD might be characterized by obsessive thoughts that drive them to compulsively perform certain actions or rituals. For others, the compulsions might not be as overt, and may instead involve more subtle behaviors or rituals that are difficult to notice or understand. The important thing to remember is that OCD is a real and serious disorder that can cause a great deal of distress for those who suffer from it. If you think you might have OCD, please seek professional help. There is hope for recovery and there are treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms.

OCD can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. OCD is a mental disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce anxiety, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the anxiety, or by a combination of both. People with OCD may have difficulty controlling their thoughts and feelings. They may worry excessively about cleanliness, germs, or harm to themselves or others. They may have persistent doubts and fears about things like whether they turned off the stove or locked the door. And they may engage in rituals like hand-washing, checking locks, or counting items to try to reduce their anxiety.

OCD can be very disabling and can prevent people from carrying out even the most basic everyday tasks. But with treatment, many people with OCD can learn to manage their symptoms and lead productive lives. OCD is a mental disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce anxiety (obsessions), repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the anxiety (compulsions), or both. Obsessions are thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly invade a person's mind, even when they don't want them to. These thoughts may produce anxiety, disgust, doubt, fear, or guilt. People with OCD often know their obsessions aren't reasonable, but they can't stop them from occurring.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or rituals that a person with OCD feels driven to perform in order to reduce the anxiety caused by their obsessions. OCD is a mental disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, or images that make them feel stressed or anxious. They may also perform specific actions or rituals over and over again to try to relieve the anxiety. OCD can be very disabling. People with OCD may spend hours each day performing rituals or checking things excessively. The thoughts and images that occur in OCD are called obsessions, and the rituals are called compulsions. Some people with OCD know that their thoughts and behaviours don't make sense, but they can't stop themselves from carrying out the rituals anyway.

People with OCD often have intrusive thoughts about dirt, germs, or harm. As a result, they may develop compulsive behaviors such as hand-washing, cleaning, or checking to make sure things are done in a certain way. OCD can be very disabling and can interfere with work, school, and relationships. There is no cure for OCD, but treatment can help control symptoms. Treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, and exposure and response prevention (ERP).

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating OCD, but cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been found to be one of the most effective treatments. CBT helps people understand and change their thoughts and behaviours, thereby reducing their symptoms. Other types of therapy may also be useful for people with OCD, such as exposure therapy or mindfulness-based therapies.

People with OCD may have difficulties with normal daily activities because of the time and energy they spend on their obsessions and compulsions. OCD can be a very disabling condition, but it is treatable. There are a number of effective treatments for OCD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and self-help strategies. With treatment, many people with OCD can learn to manage their symptoms and lead healthy, productive lives. People with OCD may have frequent thoughts about germs, dirt, or harm. They may spend a lot of time washing their hands, cleaning, or checking things. They may also have rituals such as counting or touching things in a specific way.

Treatment usually includes counseling and sometimes medications. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes people to have intrusive, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive, behaviors or rituals (compulsions) that they feel they can't control. For example, someone with OCD may obsessively worry about germs and cleanliness, leading them to wash their hands over and over again. Or they may have the compulsion to organize things in a very specific way, such as arranging all of their books in alphabetical order. OCD can be extremely frustrating and disabling for the people who have it. However, there are treatments available that can help people manage their symptoms.

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Importance of Hydration for Organs: How Water Keeps the Body Functioning

Water is the most essential nutrient for human survival, yet it is often the most neglected. Every cell, tissue and organ in the body depends on adequate hydration to function properly. The importance of hydration for organs becomes clear when we understand how even mild dehydration can disrupt critical physiological processes.

In India’s climate, with high temperatures and humidity in many regions, dehydration risk is especially high, making conscious hydration a daily health priority.

Why Water Is Vital for the Human Body

The human body is made up of approximately 60 percent water. This water:

transports nutrients and oxygen
regulates body temperature
removes waste products
supports metabolic reactions

Without adequate hydration, organ systems begin to struggle.

Hydration and Kidney Health

The kidneys are among the most hydration-dependent organs.

Proper hydration:

helps kidneys filter blood efficiently
flushes out toxins and waste
reduces risk of kidney stones

Chronic dehydration forces kidneys to concentrate urine, increasing strain and long-term damage risk. According to Indian Council of Medical Research data, dehydration is a major contributor to kidney stone formation in India.

Brain Function and Hydration

The brain is highly sensitive to hydration levels.

Even mild dehydration can cause:

headaches
difficulty concentrating
memory issues
irritability

Studies published in the Lancet show that dehydration negatively affects cognitive performance and mood, even before thirst becomes noticeable.

Heart and Circulatory System

Hydration plays a critical role in cardiovascular health.

Adequate water intake:

maintains blood volume
supports smooth circulation
reduces strain on the heart

Dehydration thickens blood, making the heart work harder and potentially increasing the risk of low blood pressure, dizziness and cardiovascular stress.

Digestive System and Hydration

Water supports digestion at every stage.

It helps:

break down food
absorb nutrients
prevent constipation

Chronic low water intake is linked to digestive discomfort, bloating and poor gut motility.

Liver Function and Detoxification

The liver relies on water to:

metabolise nutrients
detoxify harmful substances
support metabolic balance

Inadequate hydration slows detoxification processes and increases metabolic strain.

Muscle and Joint Health

Muscles and joints contain significant water content.

Hydration:

prevents muscle cramps
supports joint lubrication
reduces injury risk

Dehydrated muscles fatigue faster and recover more slowly.

Skin as an Organ and Hydration

The skin is the body’s largest organ.

Adequate hydration:

maintains skin elasticity
supports barrier function
reduces dryness and irritation

While water alone is not a cure for skin problems, chronic dehydration worsens skin health.

Hydration and Immune Function

Water supports immune health by:

enabling transport of immune cells
aiding removal of toxins
supporting lymphatic circulation

WHO recognises hydration as a foundational element of immune system support.

Effects of Dehydration on Multiple Organs

Dehydration affects the body systemically.

Common effects include:

fatigue
dizziness
reduced urine output
dark-coloured urine
dry mouth and eyes

Severe dehydration can lead to organ failure if untreated.

Why Dehydration Often Goes Unnoticed

Many people confuse thirst with hunger or fatigue.

Risk factors include:

busy work schedules
excessive caffeine intake
high temperatures
inadequate fluid intake

By the time thirst is felt, dehydration has already begun.

Hydration Needs Vary by Individual

Water requirements depend on:

age
body size
physical activity
climate
health conditions

General guidelines suggest 2–3 litres daily for adults, but individual needs may vary.

Hydration and Chronic Disease Prevention

Proper hydration supports prevention of:

kidney disease
urinary tract infections
constipation
heat-related illness

NITI Aayog and WHO highlight hydration as a basic preventive health measure.

Best Practices for Staying Hydrated

Effective hydration strategies include:

drinking water regularly throughout the day
increasing intake during heat or physical activity
consuming water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables
limiting sugary and caffeinated beverages

Consistency matters more than quantity in a single sitting.

Signs You May Need More Water

Watch for:

frequent fatigue
headaches
dry skin
reduced urination
poor concentration

These are early indicators of dehydration.

Role of Preventive Health Awareness

Preventive healthcare focuses on simple daily habits.

Hydration:

costs nothing
supports every organ
reduces disease risk

Small habits deliver large long-term benefits.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if experiencing:

persistent dehydration symptoms
kidney or urinary issues
dizziness or fainting
chronic fatigue

Underlying conditions may require medical evaluation.

Conclusion

The importance of hydration for organs cannot be overstated. Water supports kidney filtration, brain function, heart circulation, digestion, immunity and overall metabolic balance. Even mild dehydration disrupts organ performance and increases health risks over time. In busy modern lifestyles, consciously prioritising daily hydration is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect vital organs and maintain long-term health. Consistent water intake is not just a habit—it is a foundation for organ health and wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Hydration and Kidney Health Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Water Intake and Health Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Lifestyle Data
Lancet – Hydration, Cognitive Function and Organ Health Research
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Lifestyle Recommendations
Statista – Global Hydration and Health Trends

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