Every living creature needs water to survive.
(The study did not involve women.)
Untreated dehydration can cause the heart rate to increase, straining your ticker.
Seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, or hypovolemic shock can occur because your blood volume is too low.
Yet it rarely comes to that.
But the signs of dehydration arent always so obvious.
Here are six surprising signs and symptoms of dehydration.
Another key skin-related symptom of dehydration is a loss of skin elasticity, according to MedlinePlus.
One symptom to watch for is muscle cramps, which can happen during exercise, particularly in hot weather.
As the muscles work harder and harder, they can seize up from the heat itself.
Bear in mind that when it comes to rehydration after exercise, all drinks may not be created equal.
Participants who drank plain water, on the other hand, were more likely to have cramps.
Fever can worsen dehydration.
The higher the fever, the more severely dehydrated you may become.
Any fever in an infant or toddler is cause for concern.
Ask yourpediatricianfor advice on when to call the doctor in these circumstances.
Are You Dehydrated, or Is It Something Else?
If youre thirsty, youre already dehydrated.
But lack of thirst doesnt necessarily mean youre well hydrated.
Here are two other ways to check your hydration.
The skin should spring back to its normal position in less than a couple of seconds.
Higgins says that if the skin returns to normal more slowly, you might be dehydrated, perMedlinePlus.
Darker yellow or orange are the warning colors to watch for, perUC San Diego Health.
If your pee is dark, start drinking fluids.
(On the flip side, clear or transparent urine could mean youre getting too much water.)
you’re free to reach this amount by consuming certain foods, water, and other fluids.
Here are some tips for getting all the liquid you need and prevent dehydration.
Keep Your Water Bottle Handy at All Times
Accessibility can make a difference.
This can be as simple as carrying a water bottle with you.
Or try naturally flavored calorie-free seltzers their fizz and fruit flavor make them more appealing than plain flat water.
Symptoms such asupset stomach, frequent urination, and insomnia could mean youre drinking too much coffee.
Aim to make half your plate produce at meals.
Chronic dehydration in an older adult may lead to confusion, low blood pressure, dizziness, and constipation.
Keep that healthy balance, and drink up!
Dehydration can lead to bad breath, dry or flushed skin, and muscle cramps.
Other signs of dehydration could include chills and fever, if dehydration is due to heat illness.
Finally, food cravings, especially for a sweet bite, could be down to dehydration.
Stay hydrated by sipping fluids throughout the day.
Try flavored water or tea if you find water a little bit dull.
Additional reporting bySheryl Huggins Salomon,Laura McArdle, andKristeen Cherney.
Nancie George is a former senior editor for Everyday Health.
She received her bachelors degree in creative writing from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
George has written for magazines includingInfectious Disease Special EditionandFlorida International Magazine.
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