It's important to know the signs and symptoms of dehydration. While this is especially important in the hot summer months when we lose a lot of water through sweat and dry air, it's really important all year round -- and we may be less aware in other seasons. One of the best ways to stay healthy, feel good, and look great is to avoid dehydration -- even when we aren't so dehydrated that it can really harm our health, even mild consistent dehydration can lead to minor annoyances that we'd prefer to avoid, like skin troubles. Dehydration can make us both break out more frequently (no thanks) and show any early wrinkles and fine lines more easily (double no thanks). So here are the signs that are telling us it's definitely time to increase our water intake. Learn to pay attention to the symptoms and keep that body happy and healthy!
As we enjoying going camping in nature this autumn, it's a good idea to pay attention to the 10 Common Camping Dangers & How to Avoid Them. Because it's less hot, we may think that dehydration won't be as much of an issue as camping and hiking in the summer, but that's not strictly true -- it's always a good idea to stay alert about water intake when we're doing something strenuous, especially in remote areas. It's specific to babies and infants and absolutely vital to learning all the signs. If there's one thing we thought we understood, it was how to drink water, right? Staying hydrated is always a good call no matter what's trending.
Extreme Thirst
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First, we should always listen to our body and drink when we're thirsty -- and if it's very hot out or we're sweating a lot, maybe even before we get thirsty. Extreme thirst is a real cause for alarm -- and a tall glass of water (or three).
Dry Mouth
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Even if we don't think we're thirsty, if our mouth and tongue are dry and sticky, it's a sign we're past the point of just thirst. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's a symptom of dehydration -- and one we just definitely pay attention to.
Sleepy
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Sure, summer and the heat call for lazy days. But if we're always feeling sleepy -- possibly borderline lethargic -- it might not be the heat. It may be that we're dehydrated, so try upping the amount of water.
Can't Pee
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If we haven't peed in awhile, that might be because our body has run out of excess fluids. We should being going six to eight times a day. Up to 10 times is also totally healthy -- and a sign that we're hydrated.
Dark Yellow Urine
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If urine is a darker yellow than usual, and there are no other health problems or symptoms, this could be a sign of dehydration. Often, bathrooms aren't easily available when we're out and about, but don't use that as a reason to decrease water intake -- stay hydrated.
Headache
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Many people experience headaches when they haven't managed their daily water intake. Before taking medication or jumping to more serious conclusions, try drinking more water throughout the day to get rid of the headache. Going forward, stay on top of hydration, since headaches are a symptom of dehydration.
Skin Has Lost Elasticity
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Depending on where we live, heat can take a toll on our skin, drying it out and zapping it of its elasticity. It's also a symptom of being constantly dehydrated. Also known as skin turgor, if we can pinch our skin and it stays tented for any degree of time, we might be experiencing dehydration, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Dizziness
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The Mayo Clinic lists dizziness as a symptom of dehydration, too. Without enough fluids in the body, brain function can be compromised. This is especially a problem for young children and older adults. If we stand up and feel unsteady, consider whether we've had enough water recently.
Tearless Crying
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In very young children, including non-newborn babies, crying without tears might be a sign of dehydration. Young kids can be very active. Add in the summer heat, sweat and time in the sun, and they lose more fluids than usual. Kids, especially, need to be encouraged to take in more fluids, preferably water.
Blood Pressure Drop
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Dehydration can also cause blood pressure to drop, which might cause someone to feel faint when they stand up. If this happens, go ahead and take a seat, take some deep breaths, and drink a glass of water (or three).
Racing Heart
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On the other hand, chronic dehydration can also cause high blood pressure, or hypertension. When blood cells aren't properly hydrated, they signal to the pituitary gland to make vasopressin, which causes blood vessels to constrict. This, in turn, causes blood pressure to increase.
Fever
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Fever and chills are one of the more unexpected symptoms of constant dehydration. If these symptoms persist, or if we've also suffered a sunburn, it's a good idea to make a quick appointment with the family doctor.
Dry Skin
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Dry skin, frequent breakouts and skin irritation may be caused by the need to drink more water. If we're dehydrated, our skin is one of the first organs to suffer. Though it will still produce oils, those oils, without fluid-rich and supple skin, will clog up and cause breakouts. Better to just drink our eight glasses a day!
Lethargy, Confusion or Coma
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Constant dehydration might also lead us to feel confused, inexplicably tired, delusional, and lethargic. In more severe states, it can also lead to coma -- so be aware of what dehydration may lead us to and be careful.
Seizure
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In very extreme cases, constant dehydration may cause a seizure. Lack of, or not enough fluids, can cause electrolyte disturbances in the brain, which might lead to seizures -- so be careful, although don't be paranoid this will happen (it really is very rare).
Shock
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Constant lack of hydration can cause shock from low blood volume, one of the biggest risks of constant dehydration. Shock caused by a lack of oxygen being circulated around the body can be life-threatening.
Too Many Dry Diapers
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Busy parents may miss signs that their kids aren't drinking enough water, breastmilk, formula or other healthy fluids. Infants should have at least six wet diapers a day. Toddlers shouldn't go longer than eight hours without going potty. If this is not the case, a child may be dehydrated.
Diarrhea
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Diarrhea, while not a symptom of constant dehydration, can be the cause of it. While drinking fluids may not seem welcome or possible during gastrointestinal distress, replenishing fluids lost as much as possible -- and really increasing fluids once we're feeling better -- is important to keep dehydration at bay.
Can't Keep Fluids Down
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Vomiting can lead to serious complications over time, if hydration isn't restored following a bout of throwing up. Anyone who has been throwing up consistently should drink plenty of water, sports drinks, and/or coconut water.
Black Or Bloody Stool
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While dehydration doesn't cause black or bloody stools, it exacerbates the problems and prevents healing. Poop says a lot about our health. If we're straining to go number two, for example, we might just need to drink more water each day.
