These are the red flags for dehydration you need to know.
According to research, patients experience negative effects on their strength, esteem, short-term memory, and focus when they do not consume enough water. To maintain optimal hydration, you’ll need to get an adequate amount daily.
The symptoms can vary, but they’re all definite proof you need to increase your water intake. If you’re worried you’re not getting enough water in a day, keep reading. Here are five warning signs of dehydration.
1. Dry Mouth, Swollen Tongue, and Bad Breath
It’s not a good sign when you can’t seem to wet your pallet enough. Your tongue may become swollen, making it difficult to swallow. When you have dry mouth, bad breath is sure to come attached.
2. Fatigued
When feeling tired is accompanied by other signs of dehydration, it’s time to increase your intake. Fatigue is one of the most common side effects you’ll experience when you need to hydrate. If you feel like you’re too exhausted to move around freely, you’re fatigued.
3. Sugar Cravings
Dehydration makes it hard for bodies to metabolize stored glucose. The lack of fluids causes you to crave sugar for energy. Instead of eating sweets, drink more water.
4. Dark Urine
One of the quickest ways to know if you’re dehydrated is to monitor your urine color. When you’re drinking enough water, it’ll be clear. When you need to increase your intake, it’ll be a dark yellow or amber color.
5. Dizziness and Fainting
One of the more severe symptoms is to feel dizzy and faint. If you experience this side effect, you’ll need to seek medical help immediately. Confusion and heart palpitations are other red flags that you need a doctor.
Causes of Dehydration
The reasons for why you’re dehydrated can be from more than a lack of water. Hot weather, physical activities, and too much caffeine or alcohol are all common causes. Less common explanations can be due to aging, medications, stress, and high altitudes.
Speak to a professional about what you’re experiencing. Your doctor will review your health chart and perform any tests to determine the issues. If any of the common causes sound like you, be sure to mention this at the appointment.
Prevention Tips
Not drinking enough water has negative effects on your health. There are steps you can take to prevent symptoms. To avoid dehydration, you’ll want to do the following:
- Drink enough water
- Reduce caffeine
- Limit alcohol
- Increase intake when sweating
- Carry hydration packs
There are great hydration packs for women available to help you meet your daily water requirements. By taking precautions, you can avoid dehydration more easily.
Improve Your Lifestyle
It’s clear why you need to stay hydrated. These five warning signs of dehydration will help you recognize dehydration. You can use this as a guide for preventing the mentioned side effects.
There are other ways for you to improve your life. We feature the top health, general, and travel topics. Explore our blog longer for more tips and advice.