How many times have you been tired, irritable, dizzy or have a headache and nothing helps to alleviate the symptoms? Perhaps you lost your appetite or have dry skin? Could all of these symptoms be related? Well, yes. You might be dehydrated.
Dehydration happens when the amount of water leaving the body exceeds the amount of water coming in. It happens a lot; probably more than most people realize. Up to seventy-five percent of Americans have problems with dehydration. When eighty percent of your body is made up of water, it really isn’t that difficult to imagine someone’s water level becoming too low. Water can leave the body through breathing, sweating (especially when in a hot or dry environment), and when you consume caffeinated beverages or other diuretics. You can tell if you are dehydrated mostly by the color of your urine; the darker the color, the more dehydrated you are.
Take care of your body and feel healthier by drinking more water than you normally would. You might find that your “random†symptoms might fade when you have more water and electrolytes in your system.
Symptoms of Moderate to Mild Dehydration
Dark Colored Urine
Irritable Mood
Dry, sticky mouth
Low energy
Thirst (Not always – older people don’t feel thirst as often as young people)
Sleepiness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Head rushes
Loss of appetite
Dry skin
Headache
Constipation
Skin Flushing
Chills Cramps