Here’s how, plus tips to rehydrate.
Peeing less, chapped lips and dizziness could indicate your body requires more H2O.
And if you’ve ever been low on water, you’re not alone.
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About 75% of Americans are regularly dehydrated, according toStatsPearls.
More often than not, dehydration has a quick fix, supplying your body with more water.
So, how does one become dehydrated in the first place?
What Is Dehydration?
TheNational Library of Medicinedefines dehydration as “a condition because of losing too much fluid from the body.”
When we fall short of meeting adequate water intakes, it can wreak havoc on our bodies.
“Water is vital for life!
Signs and Symptoms
“Symptoms of dehydration can be sneaky.
Other more obvious dehydration symptoms include infrequent urination, darker urine and feeling thirsty.
Some people will also experience headaches related to dehydration,” says Stokes.
And a rise in your body temp may make dehydration even more likely.
“Fevers often accompany various illnesses and infections, and these elevated body temperatures can trigger dehydration.
When the body’s temperature rises, the body attempts to cool down by sweating.
Generally, developing dehydration is possible if it’s a bacterial or viral infection or food poisoning.
Aging
Older adults are at risk for dehydration due to age-related factors directly impacting proper hydration.
For instance, aging can bring on a natural drop in feelings of thirst.
Certain disease states and medications may also put older adults at a greater risk of dehydration.
Diabetes
Keeping your blood sugars well-balanced can be a win-win for your hydration.
He explains how the metabolic condition could stimulate dehydration in two ways.
“Firstly, elevated blood sugar levels lead to increased urination, causing the body to lose more water.
However, disease in the kidneys disrupts the flow of these vital responsibilities.
A 2022 review published inStatsPearlsshows that kidney disease can cause water losses.
While kidney disease can cause dehydration, the reverse can also occur.
These behaviors may include laxative abuse, vomiting and restriction of fluid-containing foods and caloric beverages.
Yet, many people struggle to drink enough.
“From my experience, people get bored with drinking water.
By its very nature, water has a neutral taste and is simply not that exciting to people!”
If you have a serious medical condition, always seek your medical provider’s help navigating your water needs.
It doesn’t takechugging water all day longto prevent dehydration.
