Silent Signs Of Dehydration That You Should Never Ignore

Dehydration is a situation wherein your body loses excessive fluid that it cannot function properly. The situation arises when you lose more fluids than you take in. It generally occurs on a hot day when you sweat excessively or when you suffer from fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

In the absence of proper hydration, the first response of body is feeling thirsty and it is imperative to respond to body’s requirement by drinking plenty of fluids-notably water. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out dehydration. It can occur in older people who forget to drink water and babies who can not express their needs. Below are some crucial signs of dehydration that you should never overlook:

Functions of Water In The Body

Water performs several crucial functions in the body. It includes supporting the digestion, eliminating waste, lubrication of joints, producing saliva that helps you eat food, supplying oxygen to the body, and regulating body temperature, among others. Water plays crucial role especially in hot and humid weather. It does not let your body overheat. The body can get rid of heat in hot weather via sweating. With the evaporation of sweat, the tissues underneath get the cooling effect. However, excessive sweating can bring down body’s water content and it may impact body’s key functions.

How Severe Dehydration Can Impact You?

If you experience extreme dehydration, you may face serious complications such as electrolyte imbalance, heatstroke, kidney-related issues like kidney stones or kidney failure in extreme cases, coma, or even death, according to a report published in Cleveland Clinic.

Key Signs of Dehydration

Thirst: This is the simplest sign that indicates you are dehydrated. By the time you release your thirst, the body begins to witness mild dehydration. Therefore, it is significant to keep the water intake adequate irrespective of any weather.

Dry Mouth, Parched Lips: When dehydration occurs, body produces lesser saliva that can cause dry mouth and parched lips.

Fatigue: Dehydration may make you tired and weak as the body fights hard to carry out normal functions in the absence of adequate water level.

Dark Urine: The colour of urine may also offer key details pertaining to dehydration levels. If you have a adequately hydrated state, the colour of urine will be pale yellow but in the situation of dehydration, urine colour turns dark yellowish.

Headache: Some individuals experiencing dehydration may suffer from migraines and headaches. With proper hydration, the body can maintain adequate supply of blood to brain that can prevent headaches.

According to a report featured in National Library of Medicine, “Fluid imbalance as dehydration or overhydration is associated with morbidity and mortality particularly in older adults. In healthy adults with normal Body Mass Index (BMI), water accounts for 60% of body weight. A person can become dehydrated if they lose as little as 3% of their body weight from water depletion. The loss of body mass with no water intake is associated with poor memory and attention.”

Dizziness: Dehydration may bring down blood pressure thus causing dizziness especially when you get up suddenly.

Dry Skin: The skin needs to be properly hydrated to maintain proper elasticity and functioning. Dehydration may cause dryness in skin that may appear tight.

Muscle Cramps: Dehydration causes electrolytes imbalance and it may lead to cramps in muscles and spasms particularly during workout.

Reduced Urination: The decreased urine output is a key sign that you are not taking adequate fluids to maintain effective hydration levels.  

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.