9 Dehydration Symptoms And Why It Is So Dangerous (#4 Is Shocking)

75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. When someone is dehydrated, they can face an acid-alkaline imbalance in the body. The body fluids decrease in alkalinity, which can cause impaired functioning of the organs in the body.

When one fails to take dehydration remedies, the resulting impacts are a low immune system, cancer, heart problems, and brain damage. Also, because most water is available in body cells, dehydration can result in damage to these cells. This is because the waste will accumulate around the cells and lead to the death of the cells.

1. CONSTIPATION

Your body requires water to keep food moving through the large intestine. When you are not drinking sufficient water, your body compensates by withdrawing more water from the stool. This makes your stool hard and harder to pass.

However, drinking more water when your body is already properly hydrated will not eradicate constipation caused by other factors such as diet-free fiber, medical conditions, and medications you are taking.

2. THIRST

Thirst is one of the most direct dehydration symptoms. The quickest remedy is to begin drinking water or fluids with electrolytes immediately after you notice the sign. The best way to prevent dehydration from happening is to meet the daily water requirements. While men are required to drink 3.7 liters, women are required to drink 2.7 liters.

3. HEADACHE

Dehydration can lead to a headache in many ways. Lack of water in your body can affect the levels of serotonin, which can lead to headaches. Additionally, the tiny blood vessels in your brain react quickly to hydration levels, causing full-blown migraines or dull aches. To get rid of this symptom, drink lots of water or eat a fruit.

4. BAD BREATH

You might forget to drink water throughout your day, but it is not unusual to see your friends standing far from you. This is because lack of enough water can lead to bad breath. This is one of the most embarrassing dehydration symptoms; I bet you did not see this one coming.

Saliva has essential anti-bacterial properties. When you are dehydrated, the low levels of saliva allow thriving of bacteria, which cause bad breath. Hence, to avoid bad breath, drink lots of water.

5. DIZZINESS AND FOGGINESS

In addition to muscles, your brain also gets limited blood circulation when you are dehydrated, and this can lead to dizziness. According to a British Journal of Nutrition’s study, slight dehydration can impact your ability to carry out mental activities and lead to fogginess.

6. MUSCLE CRAMPS

According to La Amistad Family Health Center, dehydration can lead to a low circulation of blood that can cause muscle cramps. The body will guard its essential organs by shifting water from muscles and other non-vital organs.
Muscle cramps are excruciating and make muscles feel harder than usual when touched. Adjustments in potassium and sodium via sweat loss can also lead to cramping.

7. CHILLINESS

Dehydration can lead to a fever, making you feel chilly when it is hot. This happens due to your body limiting the flow of blood to your skin. Additionally, water contains heat, and when you are dehydrated, it is hard to regulate the temperature of your body, which can cause chilliness faster.

8. EXHAUSTION

According to research, low hydration levels can affect your cognitive functions and mood. This is particularly common in elderly or young persons who may seem forgetful or alert.

According to Human Performance Laboratory of the University of Connecticut, even slight dehydration can change the mood, ability to think clearly, and energy of a person. The scientists defined slight dehydration as an about 1.5% loss in regular water volume in the body.

9. DRY SKIN

According to Laser Skin Care Center Dermatology Associates, maintaining a healthy and glowing skin needs sufficient water. Your water intake is dependent on your lifestyle. For instance, if you drink a lot of coffee or work out a lot, you need to drink a lot of water. This is because caffeine is a diuretic that dehydrates you while working out causes loss of water through sweat.

Additionally, moisturized skin requires short showers of lukewarm water since hot water leads to dry skin.