Scan of the Month June – Stay hydrated!

Blog, Computed Tomography, X-ray and CT Inspection

As Summer days stretch long and temperatures soar, staying hydrated is a crucial aspect of maintaining health. Despite its simplicity, drinking enough water is often overlooked, leading to a range of health issues from mild discomfort to severe medical conditions. 

Water constitutes about 60% of the human body and is essential for numerous physiological functions. It aids in digestion, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, and facilitates cellular functions. During summer, our bodies work harder to keep cool, primarily through sweating. This process, while necessary for thermoregulation, results in significant fluid loss that must be replenished to maintain optimal bodily functions. 

Dehydration occurs when we lose more fluids than we take in. The early signs of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, and fatigue. More severe symptoms can include dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and fainting.  

This month, Xinyang Hoa, X-ray CT Application Engineer, has scanned a Vitacoco bottle. This X-ray CT scan was acquired using Nikon’s helical acquisition algorithm (X.Tend) at a combined X-ray power of 27 Watts and a voxel resolution of 30 µm, using a Nikon XT H 225. This system comes equipped with up to two different Nikon microfocus X-ray sources: a 180 kV, 20 W transmission target, and a 225 kV, 225 W reflection target. This scan was performed using the 225 kV reflection target option coupled with a Varex XRD 4343CT flat panel detector. For this scan, the detector acquired 8108 projections (individual radiographs) at an exposure time of 500 ms, resulting in a total scan time of 67 minutes.  However, with a fully configurable number of projections, our scans can take as little as 1 minute. 

The X-ray CT data was reconstructed using an exact helical reconstruction algorithm in Nikon CT Pro 3D and rendered in Volume Graphics Studio Max 2023.4.  

Our X-ray and CT inspection service allow manufacturers of all types of bottles access to the insights into the internal structure of bottles that the non-destructive inspection technique delivers. 

It can assist in the R&D of new products for the food and beverage, personal care, hygiene and other sectors. Nikon Metrology X-ray & CT inspection services also offer the right capabilities to explore prototypes, samples or a series of bottle parts for internal deficiencies. For more information, contact us.  

Some tips for staying hydrated this Summer: 

  1. Drink plenty of water: aim to drink at least eight-250ml glasses of water per day, more if you are active or spend significant time outdoors. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water; thirst is a late indicator of dehydration.
  2. Consume Hydrating Foods: eat fruits and vegetables with high water content such as cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and strawberries to help maintain hydration.
  3. Limit Dehydrating Beverages: Reduce intake of alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they can increase fluid loss and contribute to dehydration.
  4. 4. Monitor Urine Color: A simple way to gauge hydration status is to check the color of your urine. Pale yellow indicates adequate hydration, while dark yellow suggests the need for more fluids.

Staying hydrated during summer is not just about comfort but about maintaining optimal health. By understanding the body’s needs, recognizing the signs of dehydration and implementing effective hydration strategies, you can ensure that you enjoy the Summer safely and healthily.  

Make hydration a priority and your body will thank you for it!  

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