There’s no telling how much water you should drink each day. Health professionals have differing opinions, and the amount your body needs can vary depending on a rainbow of factors including your weight and activity level. So how are you supposed to know if you’re not getting enough? There are the obvious indicators like extreme thirst and dry mouth, but if you’ve experienced any of these 10 symptoms, you might be dangerously dehydrated. Article by Taylor Rock of The Daily Meal.
Bad breath
Need a mint? Bad breath is a side effect of dehydration. If you don’t drink enough water, your body can’t produce enough saliva, which has antibacterial properties that help keep your mouth feeling fresh.
Constipation
Water works wonders for the digestive system. It promotes healthy bowel movements, and in turn, it reduces the risk of constipation. When your body isn’t getting the fluid it needs, it withdraws water from your stool and… well, you know how the rest goes.
Dark urine
The color of your urine is a telltale sign of dehydration. If it’s dark yellow, it carries too much waste. Drinking water helps filter and flush toxins from your kidneys. Healthy urine should be light yellow and semi-transparent.
Dizziness
By not getting enough H2O you run the risk of low blood pressure and poor circulation, keeping your brain from getting the oxygen it needs. This could make you feel lightheaded.
Dry skin
Without fluids, your body lacks moisture. Put your skin to the test by pinching your hand or cheek. If it goes back to normal when you release, that’s a great sign. If it stays in the wrinkled shape you pinched it in, you probably need some water.
Headache
Headaches caused by dehydration can range from mild discomfort to full-blown migraines. When your brain doesn’t get enough water, it can temporarily shrink and pull away from the skull, resulting in cranium pain.
Irritability
A small study published in The Journal of Nutrition shows that improper hydration causes mood swings. In the experiment, 25 young women were either given enough water to stay hydrated or were purposefully dehydrated through means of exercise and diuretics. The women who were dehydrated reported headaches, fatigue, loss of focus and irritability.
Muscle spasms
Your body protects your vital organs (brain, heart, kidneys, liver and lungs) by pulling water from non-essential parts like your muscles. Without enough fluid (and sodium, which exits the body through sweat), our muscles become incredibly sensitive and prone to cramps and spasms.
Rapid heartbeat
Blood circulation decreases significantly when you don’t drink enough water. Your heart starts beating quickly to compensate for poor blood flow, resulting in an abnormal heartbeat.
Tiredness
Your body needs water to fuel its daily functions. Without it, it preserves energy, which slows you down and makes you feel sleepy. If you’re currently experiencing of these symptoms, don’t be quick to phone in IV therapy.
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