Symptoms of Dehydration
Posted on 11th August 2019 at 15:29
It is essential to our general health and well-being that we recognise the symptoms of dehydration and keep ourselves fully hydrated. In our latest blog, we take a look at the common signs of dehydration and how to prevent dehydration.
You may well think, ‘This doesn’t apply to me. The weather isn’t remotely warm now, let alone hot!’ or ‘I’m not planning on walking through any deserts today, I’m sure I’ll be fine.’ The truth is that dehydration can occur at any time in any number of circumstances. It is not just when we sweat that we lose water, we also lose it when we breathe and urinate. If your body doesn’t get enough water on a daily basis then dehydration can occur along with a range of side-effects.
Examples of symptoms of dehydration
The first sign of dehydration is unsurprisingly that you become thirsty but there are a number of other common signs of dehydration that can alert you to the fact you need to take on more fluids. If you have a number of these symptoms then there is every chance that you could be dehydrated. These symptoms are those detailed on the NHS website:
Dizziness or light-headedness
Headache
Tiredness
Lack of energy/general lethargy
Dry mouth, lips and eyes
Dark coloured urine
Passing small amounts of urine infrequently (less than 3 or 4 times a day)
Constipation
How to Keep Hydrated
If you are exhibiting the symptoms of dehydration then you will need to take on fluids as soon as possible. You can counteract the affects of dehydration (not severe) by drinking fluids. Although other drinks can help reverse dehydration, water (especially purified water) is the healthiest choice as it is free from calories and sugars and purified water does not have any harmful chemicals found in tap water.
On a long-term basis you can start to introduce drinking more water into your routine to avoid dehydration altogether. Don’t drink too much water, too quickly – spread it out over the day. If you ensure you are sufficiently hydrated at all times you will find yourself having more energy and a clearer head.
How Much Water do I need to drink?
The amount of fluids you need to remain hydrated differs between people based on a number of factors including the amount and type of physical activity, your size and the climate. If the symptoms of dehydration persist despite drinking more fluids then you will need to seek medical attention from your GP.
In 2009/2010, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies (NDA) as part of The European Food Safety Authority carried out a scientific opinion report on the amount of water that should be drank to keep hydrated (the report can be seen here).
The panel stated: “A water intake which balances losses and thereby assures adequate hydration of body tissues is essential for health and life.”
The report concluded that “adequate total water intakes” for females was 2 litres a day and for males 2.5 litres a day. They also found that the same amounts were also adequate for the elderly too.
So, what does this equate to?
Women:
2 litres per day
(Equivalent to 3.5 pints
or 8 standard 250ml glasses)
Men:
2.5 litres per day
(Equivalent to just under 4.5 pints or 10 standard 250ml glasses)
It is important to spread out your water consumption throughout the day to remain fully hydrated. If you are doing exercise or the weather is hot then increase your intake of water accordingly.
Drink Purified Water
Knowing how much water you should drink is one thing, but the quality of that water is also important when considering proper hydration.
Our Pure Water People whole house water purifications systems deliver 98-99% pure water to your kitchen taps. Until you’ve tasted water this pure, you won’t realise quite how delicious and refreshing water can be. Free of chlorine, the minerals that cause hardness and bacteria.
With great tasting water direct from your tap thanks to our scientifically-engineered whole house water purification systems you will find it much easier to keep you and your family hydrated.
Why choose Pure Water:
Tap water is full of nasties like chlorine
Bottled water is expensive and bad for the environment
Filter jugs are breeding grounds for bacteria
To find out more about the water purification systems that we can provide call us now on 0117 910 9988.
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