{"id":113,"date":"2017-07-13T07:09:41","date_gmt":"2017-07-13T07:09:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=113"},"modified":"2021-07-09T13:34:25","modified_gmt":"2021-07-09T13:34:25","slug":"18-symptoms-of-dehydration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/18-symptoms-of-dehydration\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Symptoms of Dehydration"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"There are a few things you can do that are more important for your health than drinking water. This is very self-evident for anyone who has ever gone a long time without water. You can survive without food for significantly longer than you can survive without water and right behind oxygen, it is one of the most basic elements we require to survive.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s importance is also seen in the fact that 75% of the human body is made up of water. When you don\u2019t drink enough, you literally aren\u2019t getting enough of the very \u2018stuff\u2019 that makes you. And thus, serious issues will follow.<\/p>\n

What makes all this worrying is the fact that 75% of Americans spend the vast majority of their time dehydrated. Most of us drink nowhere near enough and even if you follow the \u2018seven glasses\u2019 rule, you might find that you actually could do with getting a little more hydration.<\/p>\n

Nearly every part of your body is affected by dehydration and none of the symptoms are particularly pleasant. In this post, we will look at 18 of the most common effects that come from not getting enough water. Hopefully, you\u2019ll recognize just how important it is to start drinking more and you\u2019ll reach for the tap!<\/p>\n

Of course, these symptoms can also be used as a yardstick to measure your own hydration. If you are unsure if you\u2019re getting enough water, then lookout for these signs and you\u2019ll likely have the answer!<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Constipation<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s start with a particularly uncomfortable symptom of dehydration that is also rather hard to miss.<\/p>\n

Being dehydrated<\/a> will cause constipation because it basically means there is no fluid in your stool. That in turn means the stool is likely to be rough and hard and that means it is more likely to get stuck in the intestines where it can create a painful and highly uncomfortable blockage. Not good!<\/p>\n

Drinking more water is thus also one of the very best ways to cure constipation and can help you to quickly soften the stool and pass it. Not a nice thought really but certainly a very good reason to get drinking more fluids!<\/p>\n

\"\"2. \u00a0Yellow Urine<\/h3>\n

If you want a quick and easy check you can perform to ascertain your hydration<\/a> levels, then just look at the color of the urine. If it’s very strong smelling and bright yellow or orange, then this shows that you are dehydrated and the urine simply isn\u2019t diluted enough by water.<\/p>\n

This is a little like having a very strong squash, versus a squash with a little more water added.<\/p>\n

Think about the context though too of course. Many other things can also cause urine to look differently colored. This could be the sign of a kidney condition (also a cause for concern!) or it might just be that you\u2019re consuming a poorly designed multivitamin and most of it is coming out the other end. Foods like asparagus can even change the color of your urine!<\/p>\n

\"\"3. \u00a0CFS<\/h3>\n

CFS is chronic fatigue syndrome<\/a>. In other words, if you are dehydrated then it\u2019s very likely that you\u2019re going to feel tired and lethargic and you might struggle to gain the motivation to engage in your usual tasks.<\/p>\n

This is because the blood can become thicker as you lose the dilution provided by the water. It then moves more slowly around the body, making you sluggish and slow and causing you to feel generally low.<\/p>\n

Now ask yourself: do you constantly feel tired? The answer might just be as simple as drinking a little more to solve this problem!<\/p>\n

\"\"4. \u00a0Headache<\/h3>\n

One of the most common signs of dehydration is a headache<\/a>. This can be distracting and painful but it\u2019s even less pleasant once you know what\u2019s actually going on. You see, your brain contains a lot of fluid and when you\u2019re dehydrated, you lose a lot of this fluid.<\/p>\n

That in turn means that your brain can start to contract and shrink, just as a sponge does when it has no fluid. This causes the brain to pull away from the inner skull where it is attached, resulting in pain.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. \u00a0Brain Fog<\/h3>\n

Brain fog<\/a> is that horrible condition that we can\u2019t quite put our finger on. It causes us to feel distracted, to struggle to concentrate, and to struggle to feel motivated or inspired to engage in various activities.<\/p>\n

There are many causes of brain fog but dehydration is a common one.<\/p>\n

This is due not only to the pain that a dehydration headache can cause and not only by the CFS \u2013 but also by the loss of certain neurotransmitters and interactions that require water in order to occur.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. \u00a0Irritability<\/h3>\n

Irritability<\/a> is commonly associated with hunger but it can also occur along with dehydration for many of the same reasons you feel tired and foggy.<\/p>\n

When you lose the blood supply to the brain and when you lose the crucial chemical interactions, you start to feel slower and everything becomes more effort.<\/p>\n

This in turn can cause you to feel irritable and frustrated which can lead to you barking at people or giving up on tasks quickly.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. \u00a0Insomnia<\/h3>\n

There are many reasons that dehydration can make it difficult to sleep. One is that you will have a headache. Another is that you may have cramps. Another is that your body needs the fluid and so will likely wake you up in the small hours parched. Even when you are asleep, you will likely not be sleeping as heavily.<\/p>\n

This is all serious news because it can impair your performance the following day. You will likely be even more sluggish and tired, more prone to mood swings<\/a>, and more prone to forgetfulness. All of this can make it hard for you to operate at your best and makes accidents more likely.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. \u00a0Thirst<\/h3>\n

This is a very obvious and straightforward symptom of dehydration that you shouldn\u2019t overlook. Simply, when you are very dehydrated you will likely feel very thirsty. You\u2019ll want to drink and you might crave fluids. Listen to your body \u2013 it is telling you what it needs!<\/p>\n

If you keep drinking and you continue to feel thirsty, this may be a symptom of other problems, such as diabetes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. \u00a0Lack of Urination<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve already seen how very brightly colored urine<\/a> can point to dehydration but so too can a lack of urination. When you urinate, this is your body\u2019s way to expel unwanted liquids and certain soluble nutrients or things that the body couldn\u2019t utilize.<\/p>\n

You need fluids in order to do this though and when you\u2019re dehydrated, you lose the ability. But the impurities and waste material are still there \u2013 which is not a nice thought.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. \u00a0Cracking Lips and Hands<\/h3>\n

When you are dehydrated you will likely find that your skin starts to suffer. More specifically, this often results in cracked hands and lips which can become painful. It can also be unattractive and in some cases, the cracks might break open to cause bleeding<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While you should certainly see this as a sign to get fluids as soon as possible, you can also use an external moisturizer or some Vaseline meanwhile.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. \u00a0Dry Eyes<\/h3>\n

Water is very important in the cells where it makes up the majority of the but it\u2019s also useful all throughout the body in a lot more direct and obvious ways. For example, we need water in order to create the various fluids in our body \u2013 including our tears.<\/p>\n

Thus, if you are very dehydrated then you might notice your eyes feeling dried out or even itchy<\/a> and they may appear red and bloodshot.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. \u00a0Dry Mouth<\/h3>\n

Similarly, water is of course needed to create saliva and thus it should be no real surprise that you can also experience a very dry mouth<\/a> if you are overly dehydrated.<\/p>\n

This can contribute to thirst but it also generally leaves you feeling uncomfortable and might even be experienced as a dry throat. This is one of the particular sensations that is likely to wake you up in the night.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. \u00a0Bad Breath<\/h3>\n

Drink water not just for your sake but for the sake of your partner and your friends\u2026 when you are dehydrated your breath will also smell a little funky. This is due to the fact that your saliva contains a natural disinfectant to kill off bacteria in your mouth.<\/p>\n

Thus, when your saliva starts to run dry, the bacteria can thrive. And seeing as bacteria is what causes bad breath<\/a> \u2013 AKA halitosis \u2013 it stands to reason that this results in bad breath.<\/p>\n

Of course, if this problem is allowed to persist, then eventually it will cause bad teeth as well as you won\u2019t have the necessary antibacterial agents in your mouth to prevent plaque and other problems.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. \u00a0Indigestion<\/h3>\n

Water is needed to create digestive enzymes in the stomach. These are what will break down the food in your diet and thereby help to absorb it into your system. Thus, if you aren\u2019t getting enough water then you will become more prone to indigestion<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you do suffer indigestion, then it is advisable that you drink a big glass of water to help ease the discomfort.<\/p>\n

In the long term, chronic dehydration can prevent the absorption of minerals and vitamins and thereby lead to malnutrition and various nutritional deficiencies.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. \u00a0Cramp<\/h3>\n

Water in combination with electrolytes<\/a> such as potassium and sodium helps to carry signals from the brain to the muscles via the nerves. When you don\u2019t get enough water, you skew the ratio of those electrolytes causing the muscles to cramp up \u2013 resulting in rather excruciating pain.<\/p>\n

This often occurs at night and is most common in the feet and legs \u2013 though it can occur at any time and in any part of the body. Drink more water and likewise try to get a good balance of electrolytes. Eat bananas for that potassium!<\/p>\n

\"\"16. \u00a0Elevated Heartrate<\/h3>\n

You are likely to experience an elevated heart rate if you are dehydrated. This occurs because the blood pressure changes as a result of changes in the viscosity of the blood and the sheer volume. Your heart rate therefore increases and your breathing increases too. This is actually enough to trigger a fight or flight response.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s this change that can actually be very dangerous and this is why it\u2019s so important quickly get dehydrated if you have been being sick a lot or if you have a very high fever<\/a> \u2013 both conditions that can cause you to rapidly lose weight.<\/p>\n

\"\"17. \u00a0UTIs<\/h3>\n

Dehydration increases the likelihood of developing UTIs<\/a> and if you keep contacting them, you may want to consider drinking more water! The obvious reason for this is the change in the frequency and consistency of urination.<\/p>\n

This means that you end up with more urine in your system, more of which is going to be dense with bacteria. There is thus an increased risk of infection throughout the urinary tract. This is especially common for women but can affect men too.<\/p>\n

\"\"18. \u00a0Difficulty Losing Weight<\/h3>\n

Finally, dehydration<\/a> will make it very hard for you to lose weight. This is because we need water for the metabolism to operate properly and when you take that away, you start to struggle to burn through calories.<\/p>\n

Not only that but if you aren\u2019t drinking enough water then you can actually develop a kind of \u2018puffy\u2019 look. This is because your body will actually begin to hold on to more water seeing as it\u2019s not coming through the system. Many people think that to combat this look it would make sense to drink less water but in fact, if you want to look toned and chiseled, the best option is to drink more water while consuming less salt.<\/p>\n

And we haven\u2019t even touched on how important water is for your hair, skin, and nails. We haven\u2019t discussed how it impacts your mood. Or how it alters your appearance in the mornings. Drink more water folks!<\/p>\n\r\n

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