How to recognize dehydration: 6 unusual signs

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

We do not always correctly interpret the signals that our body sends. Generally, thirst is a sign of severe dehydration, and a slight lack of moisture in the body is less evident. Here are six unexpected signs that you should drink water.

Every cell of the body needs water, because biological processes take place in a liquid medium. Therefore, with dehydration, unpleasant symptoms occur: dizziness, headache, fatigue and more serious disorders. This is no longer news to the readers of Lifehacker, but check again if you know your body well.

1. You sweat a little during exercise

Whether you like it or not, your body must sweat a lot during an intense workout. Everything is obvious here: insufficient fluid release will lead to overheating, which will negatively affect the body's work and well-being. To keep your workout in hot weather safe, add one or two more glasses to your daily water intake.

2. Your skin is oily and dry at the same time

If you are unsure whether your skin is oily or dry, it may be due to dehydration. When the skin lacks water, it becomes dry, but it still shines. Sound familiar? Chances are, you have oily, dehydrated skin. Drink more.

3. Your breath has become fetid

Halitosis (bad breath) can have a variety of causes, from problems with your teeth and gums to indigestion. But one of the easily eliminated causes is a lack of saliva. After all, it is precisely its bactericidal properties that prevent the development of bacteria. Did you notice that your mouth started to smell? Rinse out your mouth and drink some water.

4. You are constantly hungry

So it was nature decreed that one part of the brain is responsible for the feeling of hunger and thirst - the hypothalamus. Sometimes confusion occurs and we misinterpret brain signals. Instead of reaching for extra ice cream, pour yourself a glass of water. Watch how your body reacts to water when you are hungry: if hunger decreases, then you are actually lacking water, not food.

5. You seem to be sick all the time

Of course, there may be more serious reasons for constant malaise, which will only be revealed by a full examination. But lack of water plays a role in maintaining good immunity. Delivery of nutrients to cells and excretion of waste products occur in the liquid phase. Therefore, before you attribute chronic illness to yourself, try increasing your water intake.

6. You gain weight despite diet

Do you follow your diet, lead an active lifestyle, but still get better? Perhaps it's the water. If you use calorie tracking apps, you've probably noticed that they ask you to record water as well, although there are no calories in it. The point is that dehydration slows down your metabolism. Therefore, if you are eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, remember to drink enough fluids as well.

As you can see, the lack of water in the body is manifested not only by thirst. When I don't have enough water, I want sweets, soda or beer, although I have not consumed these foods for a long time. Long-term experiments have shown that only water will bring calmness in such a situation.

What strange symptoms of dehydration have you noticed? Share in the comments!