Lack of fluid can create serious conditions. You can live for three weeks without food, but only three days without water. It’s easy to get dehydrated in hot summer months and most of the time people are aware when they need to drink. However, if you’re sweating and involved in a project or workout, dehydration can sneak up on you or be mild, yet chronic, causing physical problems that you might not expect.
If you feel tired and fatigued, it might be dehydration.
People often grab a cup of coffee and think it’s the caffeine boost that’s providing the energy. Instead of grabbing a cup of coffee, try a tall glass of water. You’ll be surprised at how much more energy you may have and how quickly you feel better. Mild dehydration not only leaves you feeling sluggish, it can interfere with your wake-sleep cycle, so you have interrupted sleep and feel exhausted the next day. Staying hydrated throughout your workout will keep you going strong to the end. Sip the water throughout, don’t guzzle.
Does your skin snap back or stay in a pinched position after you squeeze it between your fingers.
If the elasticity in your skin just isn’t there, you’re probably dehydrated. Pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and middle finger then release it. If it doesn’t go back to its original position quickly, but remains in the pinched mound, you’re dehydrated. It’s the skin turgor test that doctors and vets use to find if patients are dehydrated. Also look at the corners of your lips. They crack and your mouth feels dry.
If you’ve experienced dizziness or feel light-headed, you may be in need of fluid.
When you start to dehydrate, your blood thickens, that means it’s harder to push through the blood vessels and makes the blood channels scattered on the brain membrane expand, putting pressure on the brain. That can cause headaches. It’s a symptom that some people tend to have more than others do, so even if you don’t have a headache, you may be dehydrated. Thickening of the blood can also create lower blood volume, which can lead to dizziness and fainting.
- If you’re dehydrated, it can affect blood volume and blood pressure. Dehydration causes the body to release a chemical that causes blood vessels to constrict, but also raises blood pressure. In other people it can cause lower blood pressure with reduced blood volume.
- One simple way to check for dehydration is the color of your urine. If it’s a pale yellow, you’re probably okay. The darker it is, the more dehydrated you are.
- Dehydration gives you brain drain. It can affect your concentration, mood and even memory. Seniors become dehydrated easier than younger people and dehydration can create symptoms that resemble dementia.
- Dehydration can cause sunken eyes, it’s particularly obvious in children but also a symptom in adults. Bad breath, sugar cravings, dry mouth and even a swollen tongue are also signs of dehydration.
For more information, contact us today at Travel Trim