Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough water to meet its needs. This can happen when you don’t drink enough fluids or when you lose more fluids than you take in.

Dehydration can happen to anyone, but it is most common in the summer months when people are more active outdoors.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydration symptoms can vary in severity depending on how much fluid is lost from your body. Mild to moderate dehydration can cause the following symptoms:.

1. Thirst

One of the most common symptoms of dehydration is thirst. When your body is dehydrated, your brain triggers the thirst sensation to encourage you to drink water.

2. Dry Mouth

Dehydration can cause your mouth and throat to feel dry and sticky. This is because when you don’t have enough water in your body, your salivary glands reduce the amount of saliva they produce.

3. Fatigue

Dehydration can cause fatigue and make you feel tired. This is because when your body doesn’t have enough water, your blood thickens and your heart has to work harder to pump it through your body.

4. Headache

Dehydration can cause headaches or make existing headaches worse. This is because when your body is dehydrated, your brain tissue loses water and shrinks, which can cause pain and discomfort.

5. Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Dehydration can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. This is because when you’re dehydrated, your blood volume decreases, causing a drop in blood pressure which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

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6. Dark Urine

Dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, your kidneys retain fluid to maintain blood pressure and urine production slows down. This results in concentrated, dark-colored urine.

7. Dry Skin

Dehydration can cause your skin to be dry and flaky. This is because when you’re dehydrated, your body focuses its water supply on more essential functions like your vital organs, leaving your skin feeling dry.

8. Muscle Cramps

Dehydration can cause muscle cramps and spasms. This is because when you’re dehydrated, your body loses electrolytes like sodium and potassium which are necessary for proper muscle function.

9. Rapid Heartbeat

Dehydration can cause your heart to beat faster than normal. This is because when your body is dehydrated, your heart has to pump harder to circulate the reduced blood volume in your body.

10. Sunken Eyes

Dehydration can cause your eyes to appear sunken and dull. This is because when you’re dehydrated, your body prioritizes the water supply to your vital organs, leaving less for your eyes.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to drink plenty of water and fluids to rehydrate your body.

Severe dehydration can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you’re unable to drink fluids or experiencing severe symptoms. Be mindful of staying hydrated, especially during hot weather or when you’re physically active.