You might think that is only during summer season that you can experience dehydration. But, think again.
Dehydration occurs when your body has not enough fluids or water to function properly. It is also often associated with dark urine, tiredness and thirst.
Below are some of the unusual signs of dehydration you should watch out for:
1. Dry Skin
You might be thinking that you cannot get dehydrated during the cold season, but this is not so. Symptoms of dehydration may be milder or can come slower, but it is still possible to be dehydrated and experienced flushing of the skin.
As you go through the various stages of dehydration, you don’t have enough blood volume and you get very dizzy, this results to dry skin. Since the skin is dry and not evaporating well, flushing of the skin can also happen.
2. Muscle cramps
Researches have shown that there is a possible link between muscle cramps and dehydration. If you’re low on liquids, the nerve endings are pushed together and the fluids outside the muscle cell decreases, leading to cramping and twitching.
Also changes in sodium, electrolytes and potassium can lead to muscle cramping as well.
3. Sugar cravings
Ever catch yourself craving for more sweets? The cause may be because dehydration has depleted your body’s glucose levels, causing your to consume more nutrients.
As you all know, unwanted sugar exits the body through the kidneys, taking water with it. To remedy this, quench your thirst with water, not juice or soda. Also you can choose a snack that has a high water content. Most vegetables and fruits have high water content and will help you stay hydrated.
4. Bad Breath
Dehydration can cause a decrease in saliva production, which in turn can lead to bad breath. Not having enough moisture to wash away bacteria in the mouth, may cause bacteria to be trapped and concentrated causing them to multiply.
5. Headaches
Dehydration may lead to your blood volume dropping. This may result to lower oxygen and blood flow to the brain, therefore causing headaches.
6. Fever and chills
Severe dehydration can cause fever and even chills. Seek medical help immediately if your fever rises over 101°F.
