24 Nov How to know when you are dehydrated
Feeling thirsty after a heavy exercise session or a busy afternoon doing chores? When you lose more fluids than you are taking in, dehydration can sneak up on you before you realize it. Usually, mild dehydration can be fixed by drinking some water, but severe dehydration cases can land someone in a hospital to receive fluids intravenously.
To better understand when you are dehydrated, you should review the following five signs of dehydration:
- Urine color
One of the surest signs of dehydration is found in the colour of your urine. If it’s light-colored or clear, you are drinking enough fluids. If it is concentrated and a dark yellow or golden amber in colour, this is a sure sign that you are dehydrated.
- Thirst
If you are feeling thirsty, chances are your body is slightly dehydrated. Thirst is the easiest way to know that you are dehydrated and can easily be alleviated by drinking some fresh, contaminant-free water.
- Dry Skin, Mouth or Dry Eyes
You can check your skin out for dehydration symptoms. If you grab a piece of skin on the back of your hand and let it go, your skin should go back to its normal position in a couple of seconds. If it is slower than that, you might be dehydrated. Also, a dry mouth or dry eyes that cannot produce tears are symptoms of dehydration.
- Muscle Cramps
Your muscles and connective tissue need lots of water to stay supple. If you start feeling your muscles cramp, it may be a sign that you need to up your water intake.
- Lightheadedness and Weakness
Dizziness and feelings of lightheaded may mean you need to drink more water. Feeling weak and tired are also additional signs that your body needs more fluids than you are presently giving it.