Dehydration can affect anybody, but the condition is especially dangerous for babies, young children and older adults. Dehydration also can occur if you don’t consume enough water during hot weather — especially if you are exercising vigorously.
Dehydration occurs when our bodies lose more fluids than they intake, and its effects can be detrimental to our overall well-being. Staying hydrated can be difficult, especially when you’re busy and have an endless list of to-dos and commitments. However, drinking sufficient amounts of water is critical to your health and well-being. Our bodies are made up of 80% water and represent a critical nutrient whose absence can have major consequences for your health.
While it may begin subtly, the deviations from an ideal hydrated state can produce disruptions in physical and cognitive functioning. Hydration is essential for a variety of biological activities, from enhancing digestion to cushioning joints for increased mobility and safeguarding organs and tissues. If you want to stay healthy and mobile, increasing your water intake is a great place to start.
In this blog post, we will explore the various impacts of dehydration on our physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated to ensure optimal well-being.
The following are some of the early warning indicators of dehydration:
- Feeling thirsty and dizzy
- A dry mouth
- Weariness
- Dark-coloured strong-smelling urine
- Passing urine less frequently than normal
Physical impacts of dehydration
Dehydration affects our bodies in numerous ways, negatively impacting our physical health. When we don’t consume enough water, our blood volume decreases, leading to reduced oxygen flow to our organs and tissues. There is strong evidence showing that dehydration can result in fatigue, muscle weakness, impaired physical performance, and can contribute to life-threatening conditions like heatstroke. Additionally, dehydration can lead to severe complications, such as higher risk of urinary tract infections, fatal coronary heart disease, swelling of the brain, kidney failure, venous thromboembolism, and cerebral infarction.
Furthermore, dehydration can impair the body’s ability to flush out toxins, leading to a build-up of waste products, which can further impact the health of our skin and other organs. Severely dehydrated skin symptoms may have a detrimental effect on our skin, causing itchiness, dryness, under-eye circles, sunken eyes, and/or accelerated aging.
Cognitive function and mental well-being
When we aren’t properly hydrated, it not only affects our physical health but also has a significant impact on our cognitive function and mental well-being. Research studies have indicated that even mild dehydration produces alterations in a number of important aspects of cognitive performance, and is also a risk factor for dementia in the elderly and in the very ill.
Dehydrated individuals often experience difficulty in concentration, decreased alertness, and reduced problem-solving abilities. Even mild dehydration has been associated with higher levels of confusion and tension, leading to decreased productivity, learning, and overall cognitive performance.
Moreover, dehydration can influence our mood and emotional state. Research suggests that insufficient water intake can contribute to feelings of irritability, anxiety, and increased fatigue. Some observational studies indicate that water deprivation, in addition to impairing concentration and increasing irritability, can serve as a trigger for migraine and also prolong migraine.
Prevention and importance of hydration
The most important thing to be aware of when it comes to hydration is that by putting hydration to the forefront, we can create such a significant and positive impact on our physical, and mental health. Here are some essential tips to prevent dehydration and maintain optimal well-being:
Drink an adequate amount of water
Health experts often recommend consuming at least eight glasses (64 ounces) of water throughout the day. Make sure to increase your intake during physical activity or hot weather.
Monitor urine color
Pale yellow urine is a sign of proper hydration, while a moderately dark shade of yellow, or amber-colored urine indicates dehydration and that you need to take in some fluids quickly.
Consume water-rich foods
The best way to avoid dehydration is to incorporate fruits and vegetables that are high in water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges, into your diet.
Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol
Significantly high levels of caffeine and alcohol intake may contribute to dehydration, so moderation is key.
Set reminders and create habits
Use smartphone apps or set timers to remind yourself to drink water regularly and fight off dehydration.
Closing thoughts
Dehydration can significantly impact both our physical and mental well-being. From impaired physical performance to decreased cognitive function and mood disturbances, the consequences of dehydration are far-reaching. By prioritizing hydration and adopting healthy habits, such as monitoring water intake and consuming water-rich foods, we can safeguard our well-being and ensure our bodies and minds function optimally. Remember, staying properly hydrated is a simple yet powerful step to help you feel better overall.
