Symptoms of dehydration and Simple Ways to Avoid Dehydration

Dehydration is one of the most common causes for a host of unpleasant symptoms many face on a day-to-day basis. With upwards of 75% of the American population suffering from dehydration, and not even knowing it, check out the most common symptoms of dehydration below and simple ways to avoid ever experiencing dehydration again!

Thirst

Feeling thirsty? Well, chances are your body is starting to experience the first symptoms of dehydration. When you start feeling as though you need to gulp some water or other beverage, your body is telling you you’re not hydrated properly.

Dry Mouth

If you experience dry mouth on a consistent basis it is likely your body’s water and hydration needs are not being met. While some medications, stress or other health issues can cause dry mouth – if none of those fit your profile, dehydration is the next likely cause. Dry mouth means your body is not producing enough saliva, which is caused by a lack of proper hydration.

Headaches and Dizziness

If you often experience headaches throughout the day or experience random bouts of dizziness, don’t reach for painkillers right away. Often, it is your body’s way of telling you that you’re experiencing a more advanced symptom of dehydration.

Lethargy

Are you sleepy all the time? No motivation to do anything? If you are not properly hydrated throughout the day, then your body will begin to experience low energy. Water keeps you alert and able to function at your mind/body’s full potential. When you don’t drink enough water your body is not able to keep up and fatigue occurs. Extreme lethargy can mean severe dehydration, which is an unpleasant trip to the ER.

Dark Yellow Urination

A common rule of thumb to know if you are dehydrated or not is determined by the color of your urination. Dark yellow urination means a high concentration of urine is in your system and it isn’t being diluted properly. When you are properly hydrated your urine is diluted by the water and easier on your body.

Simple Ways to Avoid Dehydration

Simply…Drink More!

Always keep a large water bottle with you at all times. If the water is there, right in sight, you are more likely to drink it. As soon as you finish your bottle, fill it right back up so you have a supply to sip on at any given moment. If you have trouble remembering to sip on the water throughout the day, try a smart water bottle, or draw reminder lines on a regular water bottle so you know exactly what time you have to drink “X” amount of water by.

Drink During Your Workout

Many people forget or don’t like to hydrate during the course of a workout. However, it is important to stay hydrated throughout and chug some water once you are finished. While working out, you sweat, and sweat means your body is losing moisture and water. Staying hydrated before, during, and after a workout means you are never allowing to body’s hydration level to fall below the ideal threshold.

Try Flavored Water or Decaf Herbal Tea

A lot of people don’t like water and its lack of flavor and interest. If you find you struggle with that, try adding some natural flavorings to your water bottle. Add slices of citrus, infuse water with apple slices and cinnamon, use herbs like fresh mint or basil, etc. The options are endless.

You can also change things up and switch to a decaf herbal tea too…hot or iced is fine!