Summer is almost here, which means it’s getting a lot hotter. There are some states like Texas and Arizona who have already seen triple digits. With this summer heat comes an important subject, drinking enough water. Dehydration is a serious topic. Each year, we are reminded to drink more fluids, but yet 75 percent of Americans remain in a constant state of dehydration. We cannot stress this enough, drink more water.
Although it seems pretty obvious to drink a ton of water throughout the day, sometimes we forget or we don’t account for all the walking, heavy lifting and outdoor activities we do throughout the day. Health care authorities typically recommend eight 8-ounce glasses each day, but how much should you drink when working out or if pregnant? Experts say that if you feel that sandpaper feeling in your mouth, just grab a drink – but we can tell you, those eight glasses are probably not enough with your high intensity workout plan.
Here are a few sneaky signs that you may be dehydrated and not realize it.
Chapped Lips
Have you been contributing your chapped lips to a seasonal change or lack of moisture in the air, well there may be another reason. You could be dehydrated. Drinking water may be your simple solution that will stop your lips from peeling, cracking or flaking.
Looking for more tips for your chapped lips? Today.com has provided a few do’s and don’ts from health care experts.
Muscle Cramps
Most of us have experienced the excruciating pain of a muscle cramp. These are not a fun experience, but often times, they can be avoided. Dehydration can make muscles more vulnerable to cramps. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day and compensating for your workouts. Muscle cramps can also be caused by a mineral deficiency or an electrolyte imbalance.
Please note that muscle cramps are rarely serious. To learn more about serious signs, click here to read a full article from Mayo Clinic.
Hunger
Do you feel like you’re always hungry? You might be dehydrated. Mild dehydration is often masked as feelings of hunger, according to Health.com. The confusion typically happens in the hypothalamus, which is the region of the brain that regulates appetite and thirst. Basically, when dehydration sets in, the wires get crossed in the hypothalamus, which leads you to scope out the pantry instead of grabbing your Glasstic. If you feel like you are hungry, try drinking a glass of water and then waiting about 20 minutes to see if the hunger subsides.
Headaches
Those migraines you always complain about may have a simple solution. These are known as secondary headaches that are caused by not having enough fluid in the body. Once rehydrated, the brain returns to its normal state and your headache should be relieved. There are many different types of headaches one can have in their lifetime. Please consult a physician to better understand your headaches and how they can be treated.
Hopefully these tips and tricks help you stay healthy, happy, and hydrated this summer. Grab your Glasstic and drink up!
Remember to always consult a physician before beginning any exercise or lifestyle change. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or replace your healthcare professional.
