Dehydration Symptoms: 10 Signs You Need to Drink More Water
Updated: Feb. 24, 2023
If you've been experiencing headaches, forgetfulness or even irritability, it's time to grab your water bottle because these are just a few common dehydration symptoms.
Your Skin Is Dry
If you’re wondering if you could be dehydrated, try pinching the skin on the back of your hand. Does it spring back in pace or does it slowly creep back? When skin is dry and loses that elasticity, it’s a sure sign that you are dehydrated. Learn which drinks are the best (and worst) for hydration.
Your Urine Is Dark
Noticing a darker color of urine (or that you don’t need to use the bathroom as much) is one of the first signs of dehydration. Ideally, your urine should be the color of light lemon juice. If it’s darker, be sure to keep a water bottle with you throughout the day and reach for hydrating foods.
Your Heart Is Racing
Your blood is largely made up of water, so when your body is dehydrated your heart has to work harder to pump your blood. This can give you the feeling of a racing heart or having to breathe faster. These are later signs of dehydration, so it’s important to rehydrate right away. Prevent these symptoms by drinking the right amount of water each day.
You Feel Lightheaded
If you tend to feel lightheaded when standing up quickly, it’s time to drink more water. Dehydration can cause your blood pressure to drop, causing dizziness and that woozy feeling when you stand up too fast. Don’t miss these 10 ways you can trick yourself into drinking more water each day.
You Have a Headache
Getting through the day with a headache is always tough, so try drinking more water to see if you notice a difference. Dehydration can cause headaches; perhaps because of lower blood pressure. Staying hydrated can not only prevent those headaches, but it can also help ease the pain if one already started. Did you know that peppermint can help stop headaches? Here’s how.
You’re Freezing
When our bodies don’t have enough water, no system can work properly; that includes temperature regulation. If you start to feel feverish or experience the chills, drink some water before popping that cold medicine. Staying healthy is just one of the many benefits of keeping yourself hydrated.
You’re Exhausted
Unless you’re living with a newborn, it’s not normal to feel exhausted all the time. If you’re getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night and still feel tired, try drinking more water. Dehydration is known to cause fatigue, so a delicious glass of infused water could be all you need to put a little pep in your step!
You’re Nauseous
When you feel sick to your stomach, the last thing you want to do is gulp down a full glass of water, but it might be just the thing to get you feeling better fast. Dehydration can cause nausea because of dizziness and low blood pressure. Keep sipping water all day to keep tummy troubles at bay. Here’s why you shouldn’t treat nausea with ginger ale.
You Can’t Remember What You Ate for Breakfast
Our brains are made up of over 70 percent water! That means that when our bodies are dehydrated, our brains cannot function like they’re supposed to. This leads to feelings of irritability and forgetfulness. Try adding more water to your diet each day and notice how much better you feel.
You’re Always Thirsty or Hungry
It seems too obvious, but feeling hungry and thirsty throughout the day is a sure sign of dehydration. If you find yourself always reaching for snacks, try drinking a full glass of water first to make sure you’re not just dehydrated. Still hungry? Grab one of these water-filled foods to fuel and hydrate all at the same time.
Originally Published: April 02, 2019
