Common signs of dehydration that you need to watch out for

Be it weight loss or maintaining overall health and well-being, nothing can beat water. During the summer season, we sweat a lot and that makes it mandatory to replenish your body with a glass or two of H20, every few hours. Not just that, but fluids like lemonade, buttermilk, etc also help to keep your hydration levels in check. Just in case your body doesn’t have enough water to sustain, it gives signs that you are dehydrated.

Dehydration signs that you should know about 

Do you often feel thirsty? Are constant headaches forcing you to miss those important online meetings? Then, let’s just break it to you — you may be dehydrated. Yes, you heard it right! You are going to get dehydrated, if the body doesn’t have as much water as it needs. Without enough water, you will not be able to function properly. You will be shocked to know that even low levels of dehydration can make you feel lethargic and constipated.

Here are some common causes of dehydration 

Having diabetes, vomiting or diarrhoea, being in the sun for a long time, too much alcohol consumption, sweating a lot after exercising, having fever, and taking diuretics can invite dehydration. Moreover, young children, older people and infants get dehydrated often. It is the need of the hour to evaluate the underlying cause of dehydration and then seek immediate help. Many people end up in the hospital, owing to dehydration. So, don’t forget to opt for timely treatment.

Some signs of dehydration

• Tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Frequent thirst
• Decreased urination
• Dry skin
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Headache
• Blurry vision
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Sunken eyes
• And dark urine

 Why dehydration is horrible

“Loss of both water and electrolytes in sweat can lead to muscle pain that often can be seen in the calves.  Such cramps can keep you up at night and you will not be able to do your daily activities with ease. Dehydration can affect your physical health like mood and concentration. It also takes a toll on your kidneys. When you are dehydrated, the body holds onto available water and then you tend to produce less urine that is dark in color. This is because the metabolic waste is more concentrated,” suggests Dr Pritam Moon, consultant physician at  Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai. 

This can be dangerous for the kidneys. Are you aware? In most serious cases, dehydration can even lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, or blackouts. This is due to hypovolemia, or low blood volume, which reduces blood flow to one’s brain. Dehydration tends to make the humidification process less effective, and breathing in dry air can cause throat irritation and even dry cough.

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“If you are not drinking enough water then stop doing that right away! You will have to drink at least three litres of water every day in order to stay hydrated. Moreover, you will have to increase your water intake after consulting an expert. Do not over hydrate yourself as that can also be problematic and cause pressure on the kidneys,” recommends Dr Moon.

The last word

There are a few things that you can do to prevent dehydration. Rehydrate yourself quickly once you are dehydrated. A homemade rehydration solution can do the trick. Take half a teaspoon of salt, some sugar and mix it into a glass of water. Drink as per the suggestion of the expert. Try to avoid sugary drinks, colas, and caffeine. Stay away from alcohol and do not smoke. Drink water at regular intervals. Eat foods like watermelons, oranges, strawberries, lettuce, cucumber, and peaches to reduce dehydration.