Signs You’re Dehydrated (And What to Do About It)

Not drinking enough water throughout the day may not seem like a big deal, but your body needs it to operate properly. This summer has been hot, meaning you need more hydration than usual to maintain a healthy body.

Dehydration isn't something you may think of often, but it happens more than you might know. Drinking coffee every day or consuming soda and sugary drinks isn't a good way to rehydrate yourself. Drinking water is best.

If you're concerned about dehydration and want to give your body the fluids it requires, our team at Integrated Body and Medicine is here to help. We specialize in holistic treatments, including alkaline water and IV nutritional therapy, to provide your body with what it needs to function properly.

What does dehydration do to the body?

Have you ever been so thirsty you would drink anything in sight? If so, you may have been dealing with dehydration. Your body requires water to function properly, but if you don't drink enough daily, you're at risk for dehydration.

You become dehydrated when you lose more fluid than you take in. When you aren't taking in enough fluid, your body responds by making you feel thirsty.

You're more likely to become dehydrated when it's extremely hot outside and you sweat a lot. Vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers also put you at risk for dehydration.

More severe dehydration may occur without any signs until it's advanced. Complications due to untreated dehydration include:

• Electrolyte imbalances
• Heatstroke
• Kidney problems
• Shock
• Coma

Dehydration is serious, especially if you're unable to keep down fluids. Seek treatment right away if you're experiencing any signs of dehydration that you can't treat on your own.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration

Thirst is typically the first sign that you need to drink more water, but you may need further treatment. The signs and symptoms of more advanced dehydration include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Confusion
• Flushed skin
• Muscle cramps
• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

Whether you’re sick and vomiting or working outside in the summer heat, it's crucial to notice the signs of dehydration and take in water as soon as possible to avoid complications. The more dehydration progresses, the worse the symptoms become.

Treatments for dehydration

It's often hard to keep fluids down when you're dealing with vomiting and diarrhea, especially for kids. If you're unable to keep yourself hydrated, you may need medical care.

In some cases, people require hospitalization for dehydration when oral liquids aren't enough. Treatments for more advanced dehydration include:

IV fluids

Intravenous (IV) fluids are an excellent way to provide the body with the hydration it needs, especially when you're unable to keep fluids down on your own. The IV allows the fluid to get directly into your bloodstream by bypassing the stomach.

At Integrated Body and Medicine, we offer IV nutritional therapy to provide your body with not only hydration but also the vitamins and minerals to help your body function at its best.

Electrolyte monitoring

Electrolytes are essential for just about every body function. They are minerals that have an electric charge when they hit the bloodstream, which helps balance the fluids in your body.

Tips to prevent dehydration

If you're going to be outside on a hot summer day or are sick, there are several things you can do to prevent dehydration:

Drink plenty of water

The amount of water you need depends on your activity level, weight, and age, among other factors. Drink as much water as your body needs. One way to figure this out is by checking your urine.

Your urine should be clear or straw-colored. If it is any more yellow, you need to drink more water. During outdoor activities and hot weather, your body requires more water and electrolytes to stay adequately hydrated.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol both cause dehydration by pulling essential water out of the body and making you urinate more often. When you're active, stick to water and fluids containing crucial electrolytes.

Eat ice chips when you're sick

Sickness makes it hard to keep fluids down, especially with a stomach bug, but it's not impossible. Sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water can help you stay hydrated even when your body is fighting you.

If you want to learn more about IV nutritional therapy and alkaline water, call us today at our office in the greater Highland and Hammond, Indiana, area, or use our handy scheduling tool to request an appointment for IV nutritional therapy.