Dehydration occurs when the body uses or loses more fluid than it takes in. Then the body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to do its usual work. Not replacing lost fluids
It is the absence of enough water in your body. The best way to beat it is to drink before you get thirsty. If you’re thirsty, you’re already mildly dehydrated, and that can cause signs of dehydration like headache, fatigue, dizziness and more. Dehydration can contribute to life-threatening illnesses like heatstroke
Risk factors for dehydration include but are not limited to exerting oneself in hot and humid weather, habitation at high altitudes, endurance athletics, elderly adults, infants, children and people living with chronic illnesses
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Thirst and dry mouth
A thirsty person is a dehydrated person. Dry mouth also frequently accompanies thirst. So if you are feeling thirsty or have dry mouth take it as a sign you need to drink some water. However, you should continue to drink water even when you’re not thirsty because it’s possible to alleviate your thirst without avoiding dehydration
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are particularly bad because they can cause the situation to get worse. A person who is experiencing nausea can have a more difficult time consuming fluids and a person who vomits will lose fluids quickly
Rapid heartbeat and breathing
A hydrated body is able to pump blood more easily throughout the body than a dehydrated one. Your heart actually has to work harder to provide oxygen across your body when dehydrated, which means the heart is going to beat much faster than usual and your lungs are going to need to take in more oxygen.
Dehydration can actually make your blood pressure drop to dangerously low levels. When this happens, your body goes to work to try to correct it. But in doing so, your body can overcorrect and make your blood pressure skyrocket.
Fatigue
If you’re not replenishing your fluid intake, your energy levels could plummet and you could experience fatigue and brain fog. So the next time you reach for another cup of coffee, see if it’s water that you need instead.
Persistent headaches
One of the first things you might notice when you’re dehydrated is a throbbing headache. The good news? If dehydration is the cause, it should go away shortly after you drink a large glass of water
