You may have heard the advice to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, but are you drinking enough to keep your body hydrated? That eight glasses a day figure may not be exactly accurate, as everyone has different hydration needs. It is important to listen to your body and what it is trying to tell you.
One thing you may not know is that some liquids will hydrate your body more effectively than others. Coffee, cola, and alcohol, for instance, may not provide sufficient hydration for your needs, and the best way to stay well is to drink plenty of water.
It is also important to be on the lookout for the warning signs of dehydration, as a lack of moisture in your body can be dangerous if left untreated. Here are 10 possible signs of dehydration to keep an eye out for.
1. A feeling of lightheadedness
You should never ignore things like dizziness, vertigo, or feeling lightheaded, as those symptoms can have some pretty serious causes. A feeling of lightheadedness is also a classic sign of dehydration, and one you should not ignore.
2. Lower than normal blood pressure
Insufficient hydration can actually lower your blood pressure, sometimes to dangerously depressed levels. If your blood pressure is lower than it usually is, it could be a lack of healthy hydration.
3. Dark colored or strong-smelling urine
You can tell a lot about your health just by looking in the toilet, so take a minute to look before you flush. If your urine is dark yellow or has a strong smell, dehydration could be to blame.
4. Being overly tired
If you are feeling exhausted in the middle of the day, it may be due to a lack of hydration. Being dehydrated can sap your energy and leave you feeling more tired than you should be.
5. Dry eyes
Rubbing your eyes might not be due to excessive screen time; a lack of hydration can also cause your dry eyes. If eye drops are not cutting it, you might want to reach for the nearest water bottle.
6. Chapped lips
If you are chronically dehydrated and not getting enough water, your lips will surely show it. Dry, chapped lips that do not improve with lip balm and other treatments should always be cause for concern.
7. Muscle cramps
When your muscles are not getting enough moisture, they may let you know. Sudden muscle cramps could be a sign of dehydration, so pay attention to your body and act accordingly.
8. Not sweating
If it is hot out and you fail to break a sweat, it could be dehydration. A lack of sweat is a serious sign, and one to be mindful of.
9. A lack of urination
If you are not hydrating your body, your bladder will not have very much to do. You should be concerned about dehydration if you are peeing less than four times a day, or if your output is limited to just a few drops.
10. Thirst
Last but not least, you should pay attention to your level of thirst. If your body is telling you to drink, listen to those signals and grab a healthy glass of fresh pure water.
Water is vital for health and life, and a lack of moisture in your body can have serious consequences. If you recognize any of these dehydration symptoms, grab an ice-cold glass of water and enjoy!
