What are the symptoms of dehydration
The condition arising from a person's lack of the habit of drinking water is called a dry body, dehydrated body, or simply dehydration. Thirst is a drive that is both forgotten and remembered. A person who is not in the habit of drinking water may initially not notice any signs of thirst. However, chronic dehydration plays a meaningful role in the development of many conditions, such as weakness, fatigue, hot flashes, digestive complaints like indigestion and heartburn, constipation, pain in the back and joints, changes in body temperature, poor concentration, loss of muscle strength, headache, dizziness, asthma, allergies, stress, aging, high blood pressure, and metabolic disorders.
In cases of fluid loss that can develop with severe vomiting and diarrhea—such as food poisoning, stomach flu, intestinal infection, or heat stroke—the dominant picture is one of fluid and electrolyte loss characterized by weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, fever, and chills. The most effective treatment for these conditions is also intravenous fluid replacement. The fact that a patient begins to revive within minutes of IV fluid treatment is itself one of the indicators of the importance of water. Yes, water is life!
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION IN THE BODY
In a body that isn't in the habit of drinking water and instead subsists on tea, coffee and acidic drinks, certain typical characteristics appear after a certain age (over middle age). However, it should be remembered that the symptoms mentioned may not be signs of dehydration alone.
- Dry skin
- Skin wrinkling
- Cracked lips
- Wrinkling of the hands (not appropriate for one's age)
- Dry mouth
- Dry hair
- Brittle nails
- Redness of the skin, redness that increases with touch
- Frequent headaches
- Coldness in the hands and feet, and easily feeling cold
- Itching in the upper arms
- Edema and painful cellulite in the legs
- Quick fatigue
- Frequent hunger
- Constipation
Recommendations for Developing the Habit of Drinking Water
- Measure how much water you need to drink
- Drink water in small amounts without forcing yourself
- Keep water with you in every setting
- If you don't like the taste of water, flavor it (with a slice of lemon, strawberry, mint or apple)
- Meet part of your fluid needs with herbal teas
- Reduce the amount of drinks like tea and coffee that you think quench your thirst
You can find more information on this and similar topics in my book "Antienflamatuar Beslenme Rehberi" (Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Guide).