Symptoms of Dehydration

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Dehydration affects many people in the summer months. According to experts, when we feel thirsty, it is usually too late. We have already been dehydrated. A lot of symptoms, such as a craving for sweets, fatigue, constipation, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, mood swings, etc., can point to the lack of water in our body. If we are not still sure whether we take enough water, a dark yellow color of urine will indicate dehydration. To avoid the consequences of dehydration, experts recommend drinking at least 2 liters water a day. According to them, the more we drink, the more our body needs water. Simply said, we should make a habit of drinking lots of water. Even though some beverages like coffee, tea, energy drinks, etc., were not considered in the past as healthy drinks that hydrate our body, today coffee and tea are found as good sources of water. Fruits can also provide our body with fluids and additional vitamins that help us refresh in the summer heat. Lack of water can be dangerous for older people and people who suffer from some chronic disease or condition. Among its consequences, the most common are increased heart rate, dry skin, brain fog, dry mouth, lethargy, and so on. In a long run, it can cause high-blood pressure, obesity, diabetes 2, etc. One recent study has shown that dehydration can have similar effects on drivers with a moderate amount of alcohol. Namely, the researchers have found that drivers who were dehydrated made twice as many mistakes as drivers who take lots of water. To learn more about symptoms and complications of dehydration, the article “Dehydration” gives us useful information.

Because the water in the bloodstream is very important, the water in and around the cells will begin to move into the bloodstream. If dehydration continues, the cells in the body will begin to shrivel and malfunction, and tissues in the body will begin to dry out. Because brain cells are among the most vulnerable to dehydration, confusion and even coma can occur.

With severe dehydration, the body’s electrolytes may become deficient, and water will not be able to move as easily from inside the cells out into the blood. The amount of water in the bloodstream will be further decreased and blood pressure can drop, causing lightheadedness or the feeling of starting to faint, particularly when standing up suddenly. If water and electrolyte losses continue, blood pressure can fall dangerously low and result in shock and severe damage to many internal organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and brain.

Because the thirst is not a reliable symptom of dehydration, it is useful to drink a glass of water early in the morning, after getting out of bed. It will increase our need for water. Experts also advise us to drink water in small sips during a day. And our best choice should be plain water.