6 Signs you may be dehydrated
No one wants to be dehydrated. It’s uncomfortable and can make you feel awful. But how do you know if you’re dehydrated? Here are six signs that you may be dehydrated and what you can do about it. Keep reading for more information on how to keep yourself healthy and hydrated!
What is dehydration, and how does it occur?
It’s essential to stay hydrated during the summer months, especially when the weather is hot. Dehydration can cause many problems, from simple headaches to more severe conditions like heat stroke.
To avoid dehydration, it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids – preferably water. And if you’re feeling thirsty, it’s already too late – so make sure to drink up before you get to that point! Water is calorie-free, so it’s the perfect beverage to keep you hydrated all summer.
How does water help your body?
Water is essential to the human body. Every system in your body depends on water to work correctly. For example, water:
- Aids digestion and gets rid of waste
- Works your joints. Water lubricates them
- Makes saliva (which you need to eat)
- Balances your body’s chemicals. Your brain needs it to create hormones and neurotransmitters
- Delivers oxygen all over your body
- Cushions your bones
- Regulates your body temperature
- Acts as a shock absorber for your brain, spinal cord, and fetus if you’re pregnant
In other words, without water, our bodies would not be able to function correctly. That’s why it’s so important to drink plenty of water daily!
Significant signs that you are dehydrated
1. You’re feeling tired and sluggish
If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, it may be a sign that you’re dehydrated. When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough fluids to function correctly, making you feel tired and weak. In your body, water helps to transport nutrients and oxygen to your cells, so when you’re dehydrated, your cells aren’t getting the nourishment they need. Therefore body cells underperform, and you might experience feelings of fatigue.
2. You have a headache
A headache is another common sign of dehydration. If you’re dehydrated, your blood vessels constrict, leading to a headache. Blood vessel constriction is your body’s way of conserving water, but it can also lead to tension and pain in your head. Because blood vessels are the primary source of water for your brain, dehydration can also cause feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness.
3. You are constipated
You may be dehydrated if you have a blockage. When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough fluids to soften your stool, leading to constipation.
4. You are dizzy or lightheaded
It could be a symptom of dehydration if you’re dizzy or lightheaded. When you’re dehydrated, your blood pressure drops, and your body doesn’t have enough fluids to function correctly, making you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
5. Your mouth is dry
If your mouth is dry and you’re not drinking enough water, it could indicate dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough fluids to produce saliva, which can lead to a dry mouth.
6. You’ve had a fever recently
You might be dehydrated if you’ve recently had a fever. When dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough fluids to cool itself down, which can lead to a fever.
What can you do to avoid becoming dehydrated?
When it comes to staying healthy, hydration is vital. That’s why it’s essential to ensure you drink enough fluids – especially water – daily.
However, you can do a few other things to avoid becoming dehydrated. For example, avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate.
Additionally, urinating frequently and ensuring your urine is light yellow or clear in color are good indicators of hydration levels. It’s also important to be extra mindful of hydration if you’re exercising, in a hot environment, or feeling under the weather.
And finally, if you have diabetes or are pregnant or breastfeeding, drink plenty of fluids each day to avoid dehydration. Following these simple tips can help ensure that your body stays properly hydrated.
Who are the people at risk of becoming dehydrated?
While everyone can become dehydrated, some people are more at risk than others. People who are more at risk for dehydration include:
- Babies and young children
- Older adults
- People with chronic illnesses
- Pregnant women
- People who are active or exercise regularly
- People who live in hot climates
- People who work in hot environments
If you fall into one or more of these categories, you must be extra vigilant about your fluid intake and drink plenty daily.
Dehydration can be severe.
Dehydration is a severe condition that can lead to serious health problems. If you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough fluids to function correctly, which can lead to problems like:
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
Dehydration can also cause more severe problems, like
- heat stroke,
- seizures, and
- coma.
If you think you or someone you know may be dehydrated, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately.
Where can you get more advice about dehydration?
If you’re concerned about dehydration, there are a few places you can go for more information and advice. Your doctor or healthcare provider can offer more specific recommendations based on your individual health needs.
Additionally, plenty of online resources can provide general information about dehydration and its symptoms and treatment.
Urgent Care MDs: Here for all Your Medical Needs
At Urgent Care MDs we are always here to help. We treat a variety of emergencies, illnesses, and injuries. We are often the first point of contact when you have a health concern, including dehydration. We pride ourselves in accurately diagnosing and treating our patients.
For medical consultations, you can visit:
We are also offering covid testing at all our urgent care locations. Our experienced staff is ready to treat any acute illness or medical need that is not life-threatening.
Contact us today for any inquiries and to set an appointment. No matter your health needs, we are here to provide the best care for you: our patients!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.