10 uncommon signs of dehydration explained

10 uncommon signs of dehydration explained

Over 75% of the human body is made up of water. And every day, the body loses fluids that must be replenished by simply drinking water or fluids. Water is critical for maintaining electrolyte balance, promoting blood circulation, and even helping the body flush out toxins through urination. If the fluids are not replenished as and when required, it increases the risk of dehydration. Here are unusual signs of dehydration one must be aware of. 

Dark urine
Water helps flush out toxins from the body, where the kidneys purify the blood and evacuate fluids via the bladder. Regular urine is usually pale yellow or a lighter shade in color. But if one notices a darker shade of urine, it is indicative that the body requires more water to enable this process. Similarly, the frequency of urination can also indicate severe dehydration. If the person is not passing urine at all, it is a worrying sign of dehydration that should not be ignored.

Dryness of the skin
Drinking water helps the skin remain more supple. However, reduced water intake can affect this elasticity causing the skin to become dry and extremely rippled. Doctors advise taking a pinch test to see if the skin bounces back into its original texture after a quick pinch. If the shape is not retained and the skin folds stick together, it is a sign of severe dehydration.

Fatigue
People often mistake feeling lightheaded or weak as a sign of hunger. But dehydration can also trigger these symptoms as the body is not able to sustain basic functions. For example, water is necessary to promote better circulation of freshly oxygenated blood. Even the brain tissue is made up of mostly water. So, lack of fluids affecting these organ functions triggers fatigue-like symptoms. Fluids are also necessary to maintain an electrolyte balance that controls vital metabolic functions. In all, without water, organs and vital bodily functions that support these organs start to shut down, resulting in one feeling tired and fatigued.

Poor oral health
Oral problems like bad breath, swelling in the tongue, and dry mouth are also indicative of dehydration. Saliva is produced by the body to keep the mouth and teeth clean. Without sufficient water intake, the body is unable to produce saliva. A prolonged dry mouth also increases the risk of bacteria harboring on the teeth and gums to multiply and produce a bad odor.

Developing a fever
The core body temperature fluctuates due to an electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration. This abrupt change causes hyperthermia, a condition where the body loses heat rapidly, affecting a person’s high fever. Often these symptoms are confused with having the flu or a viral infection. But fever and chills can also be triggered simply due to a lack of fluids in the body. If water intake is insufficient, doctors suggest one to include electrolyte drinks in daily routine to replenish lost fluids quickly.

Confusion
Over a third of the brain cells are made up of water molecules that support vital functions. Dehydration drains the water from these molecules and as time passes, many of the cognitive functions that rely on healthy brain tissue are affected. Cells degrade due to lack of water and can disrupt neural pathways affecting memory and other cognitive functions. Simply put, not drinking enough water increases the risk of cognitive diseases.

Muscle cramps
One of the more unusual signs of dehydration is developing muscle cramps. Just like other organs and functions in the body, muscle tissue requires water to maintain an electrolyte balance to retain its cell structure. Lack of fluids can cause involuntary contractions of the muscle as blood circulation is affected and also increases tissue sensitivity leading to aches and cramps. Many research studies are conclusive of the fact that not drinking enough water increases the risk of sports injuries impacting the muscle and vital joints. This is one of the reasons why nutritionists suggest remaining hydrated throughout working out to replenish water lost in sweating.

Not sweating enough
Sweating is the body’s natural method of cooling down after any intense activity or workout. The sweat glands also release toxins from the body with the excess fluids being evacuated intermittently. However, not sweating is a sign that the body is lacking the fluids necessary to support the function. The body can only hold a limited quantity of fluids, and if, after strenuous activity, there is no sweat being released, then this is a clear sign of dehydration. Even a reduced tear production indicates that the glands do not have enough water to release tears.

Constipation
The digestive system needs water for regular bowel movements. However, not drinking enough water can make the stools harder to pass, resulting in constipation. Not that constipation is not a direct sign of dehydration, as there are multiple health complications where this is a prevalent symptom. However, if one is not suffering from any of these known complications, having difficulty passing stools can very well be due to reduced water intake.

Sugar cravings
Dehydration affects the body’s metabolic activities that help convert glucose into energy. As a result, one might suddenly notice an increase in cravings for foods, especially sugary items. Very commonly, in fact, people give into these cravings due to lack of nutrition. But the only issue here is the lack of fluids to support the metabolism. Quenching thirst can easily help overcome these urges and prevent excessive eating caused by untimely hunger pangs.

Understand that dehydration can be easily managed by drinking a minimum of eight glasses of water spread throughout the day. That is the recommended amount for a full-grown adult. However, if there are underlying health complications or side effects of certain prescriptions that trigger dehydration, it is advisable to consult with a professional to assess the best course of treatment. In any case, one must never ignore signs of dehydration.

Featured Articles

3 ways to deal with an overactive bladder
health

3 ways to deal with an overactive bladder

People with an overactive bladder (or OAB) experience a sudden and frequent urge to urinate. About 40% of women and 30% of men in the country deal with this condition, which can be caused by weak pelvic muscles, nerve damage, and excessive caffeine consumption. Those affected may have to urinate more often than usual and can even experience leakage. Here are a few treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and ways to manage OAB: Treatment options Persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor so that they can determine the right course of treatment for OAB. Here are popular options that can be considered based on the doctor’s recommendation: Gemtesa:  It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment for adults affected by OAB. It helps relieve urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency, and even incontinence. Gemtesa is an oral treatment, usually taken with water. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, or nausea. Myrbetriq:  It can help treat bladder issues like neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder. This treatment option relaxes the detrusor, a bladder muscle, making it easier for the bladder to accommodate more urine and reduce OAB symptoms. Doctors recommend oral consumption of  Myrbetriq once a day. Adults can have it with or without food, while children must take it with food.
Top tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis
health

Top tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects one’s joints. In some cases, it can also damage several other body systems like blood vessels, the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin. It is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system starts mistakenly attacking your body’s tissues. The condition affects the joint’s lining, resulting in painful swelling, which can later cause joint deformity and bone erosion. Here are some treatment measures for rheumatoid arthritis: Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis Actemra® It is a prescription, FDA-approved biological therapy for relief from rheumatoid arthritis. Actemra ® helps lower the inflammation in the body by directly blocking the action of a protein in your body called interleukin-6 (IL-6). Your doctor may administer it as a subcutaneous or intravenous injection. The former is administered at home or at a medical facility, but the latter is given solely at a medical facility. Plaquenil It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that helps treat acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. It helps manage symptoms such as stiffness, inflammation, joint pain, and swelling. It is to be taken exactly as per the recommendation of one’s primary healthcare professional. Rinvoq® Rinvoq ® helps treat moderate to severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis in adults when tumor necrosis factor blockers were used but could not be tolerated or did not work well.
4 practical ways to deal with psoriatic arthritis
health

4 practical ways to deal with psoriatic arthritis

Arthritis commonly affects people with psoriasis, a disease that results in red patches on the skin with silvery scales. Typically, people experience psoriasis years before they get diagnosed with this arthritis. It affects thirty percent of people with psoriasis. However, in some people, joint problems start before psoriasis or during the same time. Swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the key signs of psoriatic arthritis. Here are the prevalent treatment options for psoriatic arthritis: Treatment options These prescriptions are known to work well against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis: Otezla Otezla is an oral treatment plan that can be taken with or without food, or as the healthcare professional recommends. You should not chew, split, or crush the tablet before consumption. The recommended dosage depends on your response to treatment and condition. To keep side effects at bay, the doctor may start with a low Otezla dosage and gradually increase it. Rinvoq Rinvoq  should be consumed by mouth with or without food, typically once daily or as the doctor recommends. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablet. It can release the entire dosage in one go and heighten the susceptibility to side effects. To get maximum benefit, you must use Rinvoq regularly. The dosage depends on age and response to the treatment.
How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health
health

How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bone brittle and weak. When severe, even slight pressure caused by coughing, bending over, or falling can cause a fracture. Such fractures are predominant in the spine, wrist, or hip. Osteoporosis occurs if the new bone fails to keep up with the loss of the old bone. It affects men and women, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible. Let’s discuss the correct osteoporosis treatment and management plan: Treatment plan Prolia It is a prescription treatment plan for relieving osteoporosis in women post-menopause who cannot use other options or have not responded well to prior treatment and are susceptible to fractures. Doctors will prescribe it for at least six months. Prolia helps treat both men and women. However, professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant anytime soon, or people with low blood calcium. Further, those allergic to denosumab or any other Prolia ingredient must avoid it.   Evenity Evenity helps with osteoporosis in two ways: it slows down bone loss and helps build new bone simultaneously. It is an FDA-approved treatment for osteoporosis that comes as a prefilled, single-use syringe with solution. But Evenity may have severe side effects.

Top Articles