You can become dehydrated if your body loses more water than it takes in and is a common heath condition. During the lazy days of summer, you can lose water through sweating, but you can also lose too much water by urinating too much. When you are sick, you can lose too much water because of diarrhea and/or vomiting.
About 60 percent of an adult’s body is made of water and the amount of fluid that you lose needs to be replenished or you could become dehydrated. It’s best to avoid drinks that have caffeine and sugar. Sports drinks can help you if you have lost a lot of electrolytes. Severe cases often have to be treated by IV (intravenous) fluids with salt in a hospital.
Coconut water, milk, fruit juice, smoothies (that include fruits, vegetables, or dairy products), and sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade all are good options to replenish yourself.
Some common symptoms may include:
- Feeling thirsty
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Dry skin
- Lack of urination or dark-colored urine
- Tired
- Fainting
If you have disrupted sleep, dehydration could be a cause so drink some water while you are up. You can also feel fatigued. Muscle cramps can also develop in the calves or other areas that can be painful.
Your urine is also a good indication of your hydration level. The more hydrated you are, the lighter the color of your urine will be along as you are not on any medications. Darker urine could indicate that you are dehydrated.
You can also get headaches and even migraines that can be mild or severe without the proper amount of water or electrolytes for your body to function properly. Dehydration can also lead to confusion, decreased vigilance, and poor memory while dehydrated.
To stay healthy and hydrated, you need to drink enough water every day and each person’s needs can be different. If you are having problems staying hydrated, then you should consult with your health care provider about how much you should be drinking each day.
