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4 Common Signs of Dehydration
You’ve been told ad nauseam how important staying hydrated is to your health. Virtually every function, from cell growth to body temperature regulation, relies on a steady supply of water and fluids.
Sadly, kids and adults alike simply aren’t properly hydrated. What’s worse, most don’t even realize it.
The good news is that your body comes with a built-in alarm system that can tell you when you’re low on fluids.
Here, our team at Prime Choice Family Clinic & Urgent Care in Frisco, Texas, gives you an inside look into four of the most common ways your body tells you that it’s time to replenish.
1. Changes in your urine
Perhaps the most obvious sign that you’re dehydrated is changes in your urine. When you go to the bathroom, you'll notice that your urine is a darker color than usual.
But why does this happen?
Dark-colored urine is a sign that your body is hanging on to water and not releasing as much into your urine. As a result, your urine becomes more concentrated with waste, which makes it change color.
And that’s even if you can go. Often, dehydration leads to low urine output.
2. Fatigue
Did you know that hydration plays a role in your sleep-wake cycles? That means if you’re not hydrated properly, chances are you’re not sleeping well — and that can impact just about every facet of your health.
Dehydration can also make you feel depleted when working out, so if you notice you’re sluggish at the gym, it could be because you’re not hydrated.
3. Dry skin
If your insides are running dry, the outside typically follows. Everything from your skin to your lips can feel parched when you’re dehydrated. Dehydration can also cause dry mouth, which often turns into bad breath.
Want an easy way to check if you’ve got enough fluids in your system? Your skin can tell you. Pinch the skin on your lower arm or abdomen and release it after a few seconds. If you’re hydrated, it should snap back into place right away. If not, it will keep a tented position.
4. Headaches
No one completely understands why it happens, but there’s a strong connection between dehydration and frequent headaches. Some believe that fluid depletion causes blood vessels in the brain to stretch, which causes headaches. Others believe that some people are simply more susceptible to dehydration-related headaches than others.
How to replenish
It may seem like a no-brainer, but the first place to start your rehydration journey is by drinking more water — 3-4 liters a day to be exact. If you struggle to get your daily intake, try these hydration hacks:
- Drink water first thing in the morning
- Drink water before every meal
- End your day with a glass of water
- Track your water intake with an app or a smart water bottle
- Get more water by eating fruits and vegetables that have a high water content
We also recommend you experiment with your hydration: Ice or no ice? Flavored or unflavored? It’s up to you what makes water taste good enough to make it your new favorite beverage.
You may also consider giving yourself a boost with IV hydration therapy. This therapy takes your bottle of water to the next level and administers all the fluids and nutrients your body needs through a simple infusion.
We offer a variety of infusions that not only rehydrate you but address the symptoms of hangovers, jet lag, migraines, and more.
If you want more help getting your hydration back on track, we’d love to talk with you. Call 214-550-0911 or book an appointment online with Prime Choice Family Clinic & Urgent Care today.
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