Thirst and dark pee are obvious signs, but there are some not so obvious. Here's how your body tells you you're dehydrated.
You Crave Cake After A Workout
After beasting it up in cardio pump class, you're probably a bit dehydrated, but a sweaty session also depletes our glycogen stores - stored carbohydrates that our body uses as fuel. When the cravings hit, it's our body telling us we need more of it, and this is one of the signs of dehydration. Reach for more water, fruits, and yogurt instead of sweets to hydrate and get some nutrient-rich carbs.
You're Shaky When You Stand Up Too Fast
A tell-tale sign of dehydration is when your blood volume and pressure take a nosedive. You'll know it when you stand up or bounce up too quickly from the mat and feel like you're going to faint or get a rush of light-headedness. Sip some water slowly and replenish your tank.
Beast Mode Feels More Like Slug Mode
To be fair, there are days when we're not motivated to work out or are just plain tired, but if you're amped up to hit it hard and well-rested but still feel like a slug, it could be #dehydration. When we're dehydrated, it reduces blood pressure and makes it more taxing on the heart, so you're not able to crush it like usual. Remember to drink water before, during, and after a #workout.
Your Breath Isn't So Minty Fresh
No, it's not the onion bagel that makes your breath stink, but it could be the tiny particles from the onion bagel (and other food you eat during the day) that give you stinky breath. When you are dehydrated, there is less saliva to do its job, which is flushing away tiny food particles that collect along your gum line, on your tongue, and in between your teeth.
If your mouth is dry, those tiny particles allow bacteria to grow like crazy and give you stinky breath. Don't wait for the subtle hint from a co-worker who offers a mint. Remember, thirst isn't a good indicator that you're running dry. By that time, your body has already lost enough water.
You're Cranky And Can't Focus
If you're living your best life but suddenly feel cranky and can't focus on the tasks at hand, you could be dehydrated. Researchers at the University of Connecticut's Human Performance Laboratory tested men and women who drank healthy amounts of water one day and much lower amounts on the two following days. Both men and women experienced fatigue, headaches, irritability, and had a hard time focussing. Be consistent every day with drinking healthy amounts of water to avoid this scenario.
Here's How Much Water You Really Need In A Day
The National Academy of Medicine recommends 125 ounces of total water per day for guys and 91 ounces for gals. Now, that doesn't mean just water. The total includes the water we drink and in foods that are water-rich like celery, cucumbers, watermelon, skim milk, and soup.
Three Really Good Reasons To Drink More Water!
A John's Hopkins study showed that 44 percent of people who suffered a stroke were dehydrated. Dehydration can cause your blood to thicken, making it harder to pass through the blood vessels. Stroke patients who were more hydrated had a better recovery, too.
If you have a wicked headache, slowly drink one to six cups of water. Migraines are often triggered by dehydration
Even a little dehydration can suppress blood vessels in your brain. Drink up or you could experience short team memory problems, slow reaction times, poor attention, and a case of cranky pants.