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Dehydration's
Dirty Dozen

Dangers of Dehydration

Dehydration occurs whenever we lose more water than we take in. We lose water constantly from our bodies. Sweating, going to the bathroom, and just simply breathing all cause water loss. Certain circumstances such as exercise or symptoms of sickness cause us to lose even more fluids and often "lead to dehydration".

Drinking enough water a day seems impossible to a lot of us. How bad can being a little dehydrated really be? According to the latest research, even mild dehydration can wreak havoc on your well-being. Here are 12 of the most common symptoms of dehydration.

1. Headaches

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One of the first, and possibly most familiar signs that your body hasn’t had enough to drink, is a throbbing headache (usually common with extended exposure to the sun, or exercising in high temperatures). When this dehydration isn’t supplemented with sufficient fluid intake, these uncomfortable, recurring cranial discomforts can become a daily experience. While the temptation might be to reach for an over the counter pain medication, that could even contribute to the formation of these headaches, pouring a tall glass of water might be a better solution.

2. Weight Gain

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When your body is running low on h2o, it sends out signals to let you know about it. These signals are often confused with hunger, and so dehydration can cause food cravings and unnecessary consumption of calories. Being properly hydrated can suppress these cravings and help burn fat instead. Even regularly occurring mild dehydration has been linked to both diabetes and obesity, so you can never overestimate the importance staying properly hydrated has to your health (and your figure.).

3. Exhaustion

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Dehydration can generate feelings of fatigue and overall tiredness, which can make a pretty big dent in your motivation. Paired with busy lives, lack of sleep, and stress we regularly encounter, it can often feel like the whole day can be stacked against you. Starting the day off with a glass of water, can lighten the load dehydration takes on your moral, and help you jump start a day of productivity and activity.

4. Muscle Cramps

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Loss of water, and more specifically electrolytes in sweat, contribute to distressing side effect of dehydration, muscle cramps. These painful muscle pains, often in the calves, can be intensified when working out, or exercising in high temperatures. Such cramps can keep you up at night and interfere with your ability to exercise. Studies have found that it’s the lack of electrolytes most likely to be causing this pain, which is why an electrolyte-rich hydration solution can be your best defense to these workout ending nuisances.

5. Increased Pain

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Chronic joint and back pain can fluctuate regularly. On the days that it seems more intense, the culprit could be dehydration. Research has found that people in a state of dehydration, experience an increased sensitivity to pain, and rate pain higher when exposed to stimulus, than those who are well hydrated. While staying hydrated can often feel like a pain, it could very well be the thing that helps you prevent it.

6. Cloudy Vision

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When your body is well hydrated, it allows your tear ducts to function the way they are intended. This means that your eyes enjoy a steady stream of natural tears, that serve as a safe guard for the introduction of things like dust, and dryness. These irritants contribute to a cloudy fog that rests on the surface of your eye. It’s like trying to look through a smudge on a glass. To keep things crystal clear, regularly hydrate, and enjoy the view.

7. Kidney Damage

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The kidneys filter metabolic waste from our blood, dilute it in water, and pass it from the body as urine. When you’re dehydrated your body holds onto available water and you produce less urine, which appears darker because the metabolic waste is more concentrated. This is thought to have consequences for the kidneys. It’s believed that this concentration can have negative effects on your kidneys. Not only can being hydrated prevent these negative effects, it has also been found that it may decrease the risk of painful kidney stones, and possible long term risks like kidney-disease.

8. Lack of Focus

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In addition to the symptoms and ailments of dehydration requiring attention you’d rather be giving to more productive parts of your day, studies have also found that even mild hydration can have an impact on your cognitive function by reducing the effectiveness of both your memory and your judgement. Additional research also suggested that by impairing your mood and concentration, completing even routine tasks proved more difficult. Keep your head clear, and stay focused on your goals by making sure you are staying hydrated, and avoiding the brain fog.

9. Dry/Saggy Skin

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Did you know that your skin is the larges organ in the body? It also has the most exposure to the outside world. Healthy, hydrated skin maintains its elasticity, or a property referred to as “turgor.” Dehydration prevents your skins ability to quickly return to its normal shape when pinched. It can also cause the eyes to take on a darker, more “sunk in” look as well. While dehydrated skin appears dry, it isn’t the same as typical dry skin, and cannot be resolved through lotion and moisturizing. However, refreshing your body’s hydration supply can have your skin back to looking great in no time.

10. Bad Breath

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It’s long been known that dehydration causes an uncomfortable dry mouth and tongue. You’ll notice it if your body is dehydrated when you first wake up, often motivating finding a toothbrush in haste. Drinking more water, and staying hydrated both before and after a long night of slumber, can prevent unwanted bad breath by helping saliva wash bits of food and bacteria settled in your mouth. When those bits are left to hang around for an extended amount of time, it creates an unpleasant smell and shares the odor with every breath you take. Keep your breath fresh, stay hydrated, and you won’t be left hoping someone close is sharing tic-tacs.

11. Sore Throat

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The air you breath through your nose passes down into your airway after being warmed up and humidified. Dehydration inhibits the natural humidification process, and the dry air can irritate your throat and even give you dry cough. Luckily it’s possible to avoid these annoying, nagging, and uncomfortable symptoms simply by staying hydrated.

12. Blackouts

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One of the first, and possibly most familiar signs that your body hasn’t had enough to drink, is a throbbing headache (usually common with extended exposure to the sun, or exercising in high temperatures). When this dehydration isn’t supplemented with sufficient fluid intake, these uncomfortable, recurring cranial discomforts can become a daily experience. While the temptation might be to reach for an over the counter pain medication, that could even contribute to the formation of these headaches, pouring a tall glass of water might be a better solution.

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Learn more about dehydration

Common Causes of Dehydration