Water is life. The human body is made up an average of 60% water, which means that our bodies are mostly made up of water. It goes without saying then that staying hydrated is super important, so let's chat about some signs your body might give you when it's craving more water.
8 Clues that You're Dehydrated
1. Dry Mouth and Lips
Ever felt like you could single-handedly supply a desert with the amount of dryness in your mouth? That's a classic sign of dehydration. When you're low on fluids, your saliva production decreases, leaving your mouth feeling like the Sahara.
2. Dark or Infrequent Urination
If your trips to the bathroom start resembling a rare sighting rather than a regular occurrence, and when you do go, it looks more like concentrated apple juice than pale lemonade, it might be your body's way of saying, "Hey, I need more water, please!"
Dark-coloured and infrequent urine is considered one of the clearest signs of dehydration.
3. Thirst
This one's a no-brainer, but sometimes we ignore it. Feeling parched and reaching for the nearest drink is your body's way of waving a red flag, signaling that it's time to hydrate.
4. Fatigue and Lethargy
When you're dehydrated, your body has to work harder to keep things running smoothly. This can lead to feeling more tired and sluggish than usual. So, if you're dragging your feet more than usual, it might be time to guzzle some H2O.
5. Headaches
Ever had a headache that just won't quit? Dehydration could be the sneaky culprit. When you're low on fluids, your brain tissue loses water, causing it to shrink and pull away from your skull, leading to that pesky headache.
6. Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Feeling a bit wobbly when you stand up? Dehydration can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can leave you feeling dizzy or lightheaded. So, if the room starts spinning, it might be time to grab a glass of water.
7. Dry Skin
When your body is low on water, it prioritises sending fluids to vital organs, leaving your skin high and dry. So, if you're suddenly noticing your skin feeling rough and flaky, it might be a sign to up your water intake.
8. Muscle Cramps
Ever been struck by a sudden muscle cramp that feels like your leg is staging a rebellion? Dehydration can cause an imbalance in electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which in turn leads to muscle spasms.
Long-term Effects of Dehydration
While a single day of not drinking enough water might not cause long-term effects, consistently skimping on hydration can lead to some unwelcome consequences down the road. Researchers are still working on finding the effects of long-term dehydration on the body. In the meantime, some of the problems that have been linked to long-term hydration are:
1. Kidney Stones
When you're not drinking enough water, your urine becomes more concentrated, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones over time. Ouch!
2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Dehydration can reduce your body's ability to flush out bacteria from your urinary tract, increasing the risk of developing UTIs.
3. Digestive Issues
Not getting enough water can slow down the digestive process, potentially leading to constipation and other tummy troubles.
4. Premature Aging
Dehydrated skin is more prone to early wrinkling and aging, so staying hydrated can help keep that youthful glow.
5. Heat-Related Illnesses
Prolonged dehydration can make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially in hot weather or during physical activity.
6. Cognitive Function
Dehydration can affect your mood, concentration, and cognitive performance, so staying hydrated is key for keeping your brain in top shape.
Final Thoughts
Your body is pretty good at dropping hints when it needs some hydration TLC. Dehydration can make your mouth nd skin dry and flaky, make you dizzy and lightheaded, give you chronic headaches and can also have other long-term health problems like UTI and kidney stones.
So, keep an eye out for these clues, and keep that water bottle handy! Drinking water isn't just a quick fix – it's an investment in your long-term health!