What are some common symptoms of dehydration?
The more prominent symptoms of dehydration are body fatigue, muscle/joint soreness, or headaches. Smaller, sometimes less noticeable symptoms are dry skin, eyes, or mouth. These symptoms can easily be overlooked and mistaken for allergies. The body will eventually become accustomed to its sustained level of hydration. Someone that is deficient in water intake for a prolonged period of time may have become used to the symptoms of dehydration. On the other hand, a person that usually drinks enough water will probably notice these symptoms immediately.
Don’t neglect the signals that your body is sending to you. During hot summer weather and/or times of intense exercise, you need to be extra conscious of your water intake. Staying properly hydrated is essential to staying healthy and fit. Here are four tips you should follow to prevent dehydration.
1. Make regular water intake a habit.
Fluid intake should be spread throughout the course of the entire day. Set small but manageable goals—maybe have a serving in between each meal to make things simple. Once you get used to having water regularly, it will become effortless.
2. Drink pure water if possible.
It may be difficult for some people to drink plain water, especially first thing in the morning. To add a bit of flavor, a slice of fruit like an orange or lemon should do the trick. That way, you can still drink something that tastes good without the added sugar or caffeine. Flavored water, vitamin enhanced water, and squirtable additives are great on occasion as long as you don’t overdo it. They shouldn’t make up the majority of your fluid intake, however. Your body needs to regularly consume pure water without any of the additives in these kinds of drinks.
3. Keep a bottle handy.
Carrying a reusable container filled with water makes it easy to stay hydrated. You will be able to sip it throughout the day, and it can also double as an effective measurement tool. If the container is 32 ounces, you know that it only needs to be filled four times to meet the goal of a gallon a day.
4. Pay attention during exercise.
It probably isn’t a good idea to chug down a large amount of water before an intense workout. That might end up causing an upset stomach or make the workout unpleasant. Instead, sipping water as needed throughout the workout might be a better idea. During these hot summer months, you’ll probably sweat more, so listen to your body. It will tell you when it needs something, so pay attention.
If you need help with your personal fitness goals, contact us or give us a call at (918) 743-3737.
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