Did you know that 75% of adults are chronically dehydrated even if they drink plenty of water? I find that statistic scary but not that surprising. I am lucky, I was raised drinking water. Soda and fruit juices were something that I had on only special occasions. So, my whole life, I’ve been drinking water and a ton of it. Interestingly enough, I was always thirsty until last week. Are you always thirsty?
As wise doctor once told me that if you are thirsty, you are dehydrated. You actually shouldn’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Stay hydrated especially if it’s hot or humid outside or during strenuous activity. Being dehydrated has significant impact on your health.
Some of the health problems chronic dehydration can cause include: sleep and digestion problems, fatigue, allergies, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, irritability and confusion. If very severe dehydration isn’t treated, it can lead to seizures, brain damage, delirium, or unconsciousness and even death.
I don’t mean to scare you but it is critical that you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
What are the symptoms of dehydration? What a great question!
The signs and symptoms of dehydration depending on the severity can include:
- Increased thirst
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Sluggishness
- Fainting
An easy indicator of whether you’re drinking enough water is the color of your urine. A clear or light-colored urine means that you’re well drinking enough water while a dark yellow or amble colored urine typically indicates that you need to drink more water. See chart below.
Are you low on energy? For every 1% your cells are dehydrated, your poor cells lose 10% of their energy production. Now that’s crazy. Considering that 75% of adults are dehydrated, it’s no wonder we have become a society dependent on energy drinks and coffee.
Did you know that drinking enough water does not necessarily mean that you are hydrated! There is a difference. More to come on that topic on future blogs.
In the meantime, if your bottle of water isn’t right in front of you, go get it and drink up! 
Image courtesy of Total Control Program
[…] about all the health problems that arise from being dehydrated from a previous post and what the Mayo Clinic has to say. They may surprise […]