It’s that time of the year when the temperatures are rising and we’re excreting more bodily fluids than most of us consume. We already know we should be drinking more water, but do we? Many of us would answer, “no” – me included. This is why it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of dehydration. When we are dehydrated, the body is unable to function properly.
Here are a couple of signs to look out for that might indicate dehydration:
Thirst
The most common sign is thirst. Your body will often crave for what it lacks, which is why when your body is screaming for water, feed it. It’s basically like getting hunger pangs, but for food. You don’t ignore your body or your stomach when it’s growling and ready for your next meal, so why do we that when our bodies are craving pure H2O?
Dark urine
Next time you use the bathroom, turn around and take a peek before you flush to see what colour your urine is. If it’s light in colour, it means that you are well-hydrated. The clearer the urine, the more diluted it is.
Pro-tip: if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, this could also lead to lighter-coloured urine, as a result of frequent thirst and excessive need to urinate. Remember to consult your doctor if you notice any changes in your urine.
Headaches
I’m the first person to tell people to have a glass of water if they are experiencing a headache. When your body doesn’t have enough water, your blood vessels can narrow which can cause reduced circulation and cause headaches.
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Dry mouth and lips
If your mouth and lips feel dry, that is often a sign of dehydration. Instead of reaching for lip balm when your lips are dry, reach for a glass of water.
Sunken and/or dry eyes
If you notice a dip in your under-eye area, it may be a physical symptom of dehydration. In the case of dryness, your eyes may burn, or feel scratchy, like you have sand in them or you may even experience sensitivity to light.
While this may be a general guide in signs to look out for, if you are experiencing these symptoms for extended periods, consult your doctor to find the root cause of your dehydration.
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