8 Signs You’re Dehydrated

Did you know that 25% of kids and teenagers don’t drink ANY water as part of their fluid intake?

A surprising number of adults don’t drink enough water, as well, with one study finding that half of Americans don’t get their recommended daily intake of water. Not drinking enough water can cause serious health problems, including digestive issues, urinary tract infections, anxiety, and chronic fatigue.

Not surprisingly, 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration, according to a report by CBS.

Because water composes about 60% of our bodies, 75% of our muscles, and 85% of our brains, you should take dehydration very seriously. Dehydration can inhibit the function of many parts of the body, leaving you feeling lethargic, sick, and even depressed. However, if you know what to look for, you can stop dehydration before it leads to more serious complications.

1. You're Thirsty

Seems obvious, right? Well, thirst isn’t just a sign your body is in need of a little H20 top-up. Thirst means you’re already dehydrated. Don’t ever let your body get to this point, and keep a glass of water nearby that you can sip on all day long.

2. Your Back And Joints Hurt Often

Since your body’s cartilage is composed of nearly 80% water, replenishing water after sweating is essential for keeping bones and joints healthy. Water keeps joints lubricated in order to protect the body during strenuous activities or unexpected movement, such as falling or tripping. In addition, back pain could indicate a kidney infection due to being dehydrated, so if you have frequent back aches, drink more water throughout the day.

3. Your Scalp Is Flaky

Just like your lips, your scalp is a good indication of your body’s hydration levels. Keep an eye on your hair line, and if you notice your scalp is dry, try drinking a few more glasses of water each day.

4. You're overheating

Water plays a key role in body temperature regulation. When we begin to overheat, we sweat. By sweating, we lower our body temperature through evaporative cooling. Because sweat is mostly made up of water, when we’re dehydrated, we’ll stop sweating and can quickly overheat. Anyone who’s ever suffered  heatstroke understands the importance of hydration on a hot summer’s day.

5. You feel tired or fatigued

When we’re properly hydrated, water moves from our cells into the bloodstream in order to maintain the appropriate amount of blood in our blood vessels and to regulate blood pressure. With chronic dehydration, blood volume and blood pressure may drop such that the oxygen content of blood drops as well. Without proper oxygen, our muscle and nerve functions slow down and we become easily fatigued.

6. Headaches

Low water volume in your blood vessels causes them to expand in response, and that pressure is what causes the pain of a dehydration headache.

7. Dry mouth/lips

Saliva is almost 100% water, so it’s one of the first signs that you’re dehydrated. Your lips might also feel dry and chapped, and dry mouth makes it painful and hard to breathe in the middle of a hard workout.

8. Lack of skin elasticity

Pinch the skin on the back of your hand for a few seconds. If it takes more than a second to return to normal, you’re dehydrated. This is because water helps your skin stretch and move with your body.

Sources:

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/wellness/17-secret-signs-you%E2%80%99re-dehydrated/ss-AAiG5J1#image=4

https://www.powerofpositivity.com/dehydrated-symptoms/

http://www.askmen.com/top_10/fitness/top-10-signs-youre-dehydrated_10.html

http://www.hydrationhealth.com/10-signs-youre-dehydrated/