Seven unusual signs that you’re dehydrated

Dehydration simply refers to a state of not having enough fluid, water specifically, in your body. 

According to Healthline, we need water for many of our bodily functions. As a result, we need to ensure that we drink enough water to sustain these functions. 

Our bodies often give us signs that they don’t have enough water. Below are some that you might overlook but which are actually a sign that you need to drink up.

1. Bad breath

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining fresh breath. Therefore, when your body isn’t producing enough saliva, your mouth produces more bacteria leading to bad breath. 

If you notice that your breath is a little unpleasant, start by drinking more water, and brushing your teeth.

2. Feeling tired

If you feel unusually tired, even after getting a good night’s sleep, you might be dehydrated. When your body doesn’t have enough water, your blood pressure reduces leaving you feeling fatigued. Ensure that you are well hydrated throughout the day to keep your energy levels up.

3. Dry skin

Water helps keep your skin elastic and supple. However, when you’re dehydrated, your skin becomes saggy and wrinkly. Other signs of dry skin include cracked lips and clammy hands. This can happen even in colder weather since your skin will lose moisture to the drier atmosphere. Be sure to up your water intake to keep your skin soft and supple.

4. Irritability

Studies have shown that some people exhibited signs of irritability and anxiety when they were dehydrated. If you’re in a bad mood or are struggling to fulfill your usual tasks, you might want to consider drinking more water.

5. Constipation

Water is needed for digestion. And when you’re dehydrated, your large intestine draws water from the waste in your gut making it harder for the waste to pass through. This leads to constipation and other complications associated with it such as a bad appetite and stomach aches. To enable your digestive tract to work properly, drink enough water.

6. Sugar cravings

According to Everyday Health, when your body lacks enough water, your liver is unable to release the glucose needed by the body. Thus, you end up craving something sweet. It can also result in low energy levels. To ensure that your liver keeps releasing this much needed glucose, drink plenty of water throughout the day.

7. Muscle cramps

If you suffer from muscle cramps after working out, you could be dehydrated. This is because you lose water when you sweat as you exercise making it harder for your body to cool down. Muscle cramps are a sign that your body is struggling to cool down. To prevent this, drink enough water before your workout. After exercising, take a drink that contains electrolytes to help prevent muscle cramps.