Could you be dehydrated? Read about the tell-tale signs - you may be more surprised than you think!

We usually associate being dehydrated with hot weather and not cold weather. But did you know that cold weather actually accelerates dehydration? Most of us don’t feel thirsty in winter because we don’t drink as much, which can lead to dehydration. We lose lots more fluids from our bodies when it’s cold due to respiratory fluid loss through breathing. Wearing extra clothing such as heavy jackets and coats to keep warm also makes the body work harder as sweat evaporates more quickly into cold air. 

More than half our bodies are comprised of water and when the water level drops, we can become dehydrated. Water provides a number of vital functions which include quenching thirst, supplying oxygen, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints and promoting cells to grow and reproduce. Even being mildly hydrated can affect your overall health!

Here are 8 telltale signs that you may be dehydrated.  

1. Dry Skin

Dehydration can affect the condition of your skin causing it to become dry and even oily. When the skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to make up for the missing water. As a result, you will experience dry patches, irritation and breakouts on your skin. It’s best to hydrate from the inside and start increasing your water intake for a healthy and glowing skin.

2. Bad breath

Are you wondering why your breath is smelly? Dehydration can cause a dry mouth and bad breath. Saliva has important antibacterial properties, but dehydration can prevent the body from producing enough saliva. Decreased saliva in the mouth allows bacteria to thrive which results in bad breath. Isn’t this another good reason to drink more water?

3. Dark coloured urine

If you are dehydrated, waste cannot be flushed out of your system as easily and your urine colour will reflect that. Make sure to check your urine because if you are well hydrated, your urine should be mostly clear with a tinge of yellow. According to experts there are three warning colours to watch out for, called  yellow, chardonnay and orange. Keep yours mostly clear by topping up on water regularly.  This will also help to prevent UTI and bladder infections, keep your kidneys healthy and detox your body.

4. Headaches

When you are dehydrated, you may also experience headaches. Dehydration affects your body’s serotonin levels which leads to headache discomfort and migraines. In addition to the loss of water in the body, important electrolytes like potassium and sodium are also lost. These minerals help deliver oxygen to the brain.

If you want quick headache relief, drink a glass of water or even better, the recommended eight glasses per day and watch your headaches disappear! Eating fruit with a high water content such as watermelon, grapefruit, peaches, strawberries, pineapple, grapes and oranges can also help if you’re not a fan of plain water.

5. Muscle cramps

Dehydration can cause poor blood circulation and lead to muscle cramping. Changes in electrolytes like potassium and sodium can also contribute to muscle cramps, pain and discomfort. Keep hydrated, especially if you are exercising, to prevent muscle cramps. You can also ease muscle cramps by using a natural remedy like RollAway Reliever which contains Magnesium oil and Arnica to relieve muscle and joint pain.

6. Sugar cravings

Craving something sweet? Thirst is often masked as hunger and so a craving for sweets, chocolate or a salty snack may be a sign that you are not drinking enough liquids or losing water. Get into the habit of drinking water throughout the day and keeping a bottle handy to prevent food cravings. If you’re trying to lose weight, EcoSlim, a natural weight loss remedy, contains an ingredient called Garcinia Cambogia, which prevents sugar cravings and comfort eating. 

7. Fatigue

Tired all the time? Does a mid-afternoon slump leave you feeling listless? Not getting enough water into your body can increase your heart rate, cause your blood pressure to drop and slow down blood flow to the brain, thereby making you feel tired. Make healthier choices by drinking more water and herbal teas to beat fatigue.

Swop carby snacks such as pretzels, chips or crackers, which have a low water content, for snacks with a high water content such as fresh fruit, smoothies, yoghurt, veggies with hummus or celery with peanut butter. To help with fatigue, see Fatigue Fighter – our natural remedy to help boost your energy levels and fight fatigue.

8. Dizziness

Feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint is a common sign that your body needs hydration. If you feel dizzy during a workout, it’s because your heart has to work extra hard to get blood to the working muscles. Dizziness occurs when there isn’t sufficient water in the blood, causing blood pressure and blood volume to drop. Make a point of drinking extra water on the days that you’ll be working out or if you are prone to dizzy spells. 

Proper hydration is so important for your overall health – your body depends on it to survive! Keep good old H2O on hand to replenish lost fluids and feel healthy and happy again!