Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than your body takes in. It’s important to maintain hydration for the safety and well- being of your body.
Signs and symptoms of dehydration:
- DISCOLORATION OF URINE. When urine is more concentrated, usually a darker yellow or brown, it is an indicator of lack of sufficient water in
the body. - MUSCLE CRAMPS. Muscle cramps and spasms occur when there is an electrolyte imbalance, and sodium or potassium levels are low.
- LIGHTHEADNESS. Dehydration causes your blood pressure to drop. Beginning signs could be feeling lightheaded when you stand up too fast, but could become a series of intense dizziness, disorientation and confusion.
- SKIN ELASTICITY. Another identification of dehydration is a loss of skin elasticity. If you pinch you skin and it doesn’t bounce right back to normal, this is a sign of moderate to severe dehydration.
- DRY MOUTH/EYES/NOSE. If you have significant dryness in your different membranes that are usually moist, it is a good indication you do not have enough fluids.
- INFREQUENT BATHROOM VISITS. If your bathroom visits are more than 4-6 hours apart, it is a good indication you do not have enough fluids in your body.
- THIRST. Do you feel thirsty? This is probably a sign to drink more water. Listen to your body.
- SWOLLEN FEET. This occurs when blood vessels constrict which forces fluid into spaces between cells leading to retention, especially in the lower limbs. The kidneys begin to react by retaining sodium and water, causing fluid build up in surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.