Dehydration occurs when your body lacks the amount of fluid (water) it requires to function properly. It can be as mild and as severe, depending upon the amount of water missing from the body. So, when you say you are thirsty, it means you are already dehydrated.
Now, dehydration brings with itself a lot many health issues and symptoms- common to serious to even life-threatening ones.
There are several signs of dehydration to watch for, some of which are more obvious than others. If dehydration becomes more severe, it can lead to signs of mental and physical decline that require immediate action. Medical involvement may also be necessary if the symptoms are severe enough.
Signs of Severe Dehydration
Fatigue
This is one of the most common symptoms of dehydration. When there is a lack of water in your body, it affects your stamina and sleep cycle thus making you feel all tired and lethargic. So, watch out if you have the same tired feeling every day. That’s a sign to drink water!
Dark Urine/ No Urination
Dehydration can be determined by checking your urine color. The urine in a healthy individual should have a pale yellow color, similar to lemonade. A darker urine color, similar to apple juice, may indicate moderate to severe dehydration.
If you aren’t urinating at all, you are probably severely dehydrated and require urgent medical attention.
So, if you find that you are not urinating or your urine is very dark, it’s a sign you should up your water intake. It’s best to have small sips of water during the whole day to effectively absorb it. Also, try keeping a water bottle with you wherever you go so you don’t miss out on drinking enough water.
Dry Skin
Probably our biggest fear is losing the charm of glowy, clear, and healthy skin. So, to check whether your skin is dehydrated or not, you can do the pinch test.
All you need to do is pinch the skin and check whether it bounces back. If it doesn’t, it means your skin’s elasticity is significantly reduced and it is dehydrated.
Other than skin, you can also experience dry lips or wake up with a dry mouth if you are moderate to severely dehydrated.
In such cases, make sure you are checking in on your fluid intake and making the right efforts towards how to rehydrate yourself. Fluid here does not only mean only water. It is important to look for other sources of hydration like coconut water, lemon water, fruit juices, etc.
Dizziness and Headache
When you’re not getting enough fluids, you may get frequent headaches. It can also make you feel dizzy and light-headed due to which you are not able to focus and concentrate on your daily work.
This condition is very common among older adults who are more at risk of developing dehydration and low blood volume.
To combat this problem, the first thing you need to do is not ignore the signs. Level up your water intake. Keep a reminder app if it’s difficult for you to track your water consumption.
Eat foods that have a high water content like cucumber, oranges, watermelon, grapes, etc. Make homemade drinks using, ginger, lemon, coconut water, strawberries, etc.
These will help you replenish the level of the electrolyte as well which are essential for proper fluid regulation inside the body.
Fever
Fever is generally associated with the flu or a virus. But there’s more to it. Fever can also be a sign of severe dehydration.
A lack of fluids makes it difficult for your body to maintain a regular temperature, which may result in hyperthermia and fever-like symptoms, such as chills.
To resolve this problem, make sure you are drinking a proper amount of fluids, not tiring yourself out, and not eating unhealthy food at all.
If your temperature doesn’t improve or is increasing constantly, make sure you get immediate medical assistance.
Bottom Line
Dehydration is common. But what’s not common is not addressing the issue. Drink plenty of water, keep your stress levels down, eat your daily greens, include electrolyte-rich foods and homemade electrolyte drinks in your diet, and keep track of your everyday water consumption.
