In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is Dehydration?7 Conditions That Increase Your Risk of DehydrationThe Best Ways to Stay HydratedThe Bottom Line
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Is Dehydration?
7 Conditions That Increase Your Risk of Dehydration
The Best Ways to Stay Hydrated
The Bottom Line
Peeing less, chapped lips and dizziness could indicate your body requires more H2O. And if you’ve ever been low on water, you’re not alone. About 75% of Americans are regularly dehydrated, according toStatsPearls. More often than not, dehydration has a quick fix, supplying your body with more water. So, how does one become dehydrated in the first place? Although there are somesneaky ways you can become dehydrated, there are also certain conditions that can make you more dehydration-prone. Here’s what to know about dehydration, its symptoms, and seven conditions that can cause a water deficit in your body, according to experts.
Do You Need to Take a Hydration Supplement to Stay Hydrated?
Getty Images
Signs and Symptoms
“Symptoms of dehydration can be sneaky. For example, feeling lightheaded and tired may be due to dehydration but could also be related to a nutrient deficiency, specifically iron. Other more obvious dehydration symptoms include infrequent urination, darker urine and feeling thirsty. Some people will also experience headaches related to dehydration,” says Stokes.
Other signs of dehydration in adults can be:
What Happens to Your Body When You Don’t Drink Enough Water
1. Sickness
2. Exercise
A brisk walk, a HIIT workout or an afternoon run can up your chances of losing water if youaren’t replacing these lossesthe way your body needs. “Engaging in intense physical activity, especially in hot and humid environments, can lead to excessive sweating and fluid loss. During exercise, the body releases sweat to regulate body temperature, which can result in significant fluid depletion if not adequately replenished. Dehydration during exercise can impair performance, increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, and hinder the body’s ability to recover effectively,” says Parnacott.
3. Aging
Older adults are at risk for dehydration due to age-related factors directly impacting proper hydration. For instance, aging can bring on a natural drop in feelings of thirst. Further, according to a 2021 review published in theArchivesof Gerontology and Geriatrics, older adults may have difficulty moving around and become fearful of frequent bathroom trips. Certain disease states and medications may also put older adults at a greater risk of dehydration. “Total body water content also gradually reduces with age, meaning older adults may naturally dehydrate quicker than their younger selves,” saysKelsey Riesbeck, RD, a registered dietitian and dietary director of Lift Wellness Company.
4. Diabetes
5 Sneaky Reasons Your Blood Sugar Is High
5. Kidney Disease
Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs that clean the blood to keep the good nutrients flowing through your body and get the unwanted wastes and fluid out via urine. However, disease in the kidneys disrupts the flow of these vital responsibilities. “A limited function in the kidneys can affect waste and fluid removal,” saysBlanca Garcia, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition specialist at Health Canal. A 2022 review published inStatsPearlsshows that kidney disease can cause water losses. “The treatment for kidney disease may include diuretics, a medication intended to move excess fluids, which can lead to dehydration if too much fluid is removed,” says Garcia. While kidney disease can cause dehydration, the reverse can also occur. “You can also get kidney-associated problems, like urinary tract infections, or develop kidney stones if dehydrated for long periods of time,” says Garcia.
6. Drinking Alcohol
Whether youdrink a beer every dayafter work or enjoy the occasional weekend boozy beverage, it’s vital to understand that alcohol intake can fuel more than a desired unwinding, but dehydration too. According to theNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol can suppress the release of the hormone vasopressin, which acts to hold onto water in the body. That’s why the phrase “break the seal” exists, because alcohol causes the urine floodgates to open, and it seems like much of your night out is spent in the restroom. And if you’re feeling that pounding headache, excessive thirst or sluggishness the following day, these arecommon hangover symptomsthat indicate dehydration.
7. Eating Disorders
“Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can increase the risk for dehydration as a result of various negative behaviors around food. These behaviors may include laxative abuse, vomiting and restriction of fluid-containing foods and caloric beverages. Some individuals also struggle with fears of excess water weight and thus avoid water in an attempt to control body size,” says Riesbeck.
If you or a loved one are coping with an eating disorder, consult theNational Eating Disorders Associationfor support resources.
“According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, the recommended water for men is 15.5 cups and for women 11.5 cups,” says Garcia. Yet, many people struggle to drink enough. “From my experience, people get bored with drinking water. By its very nature, water has a neutral taste and is simply not that exciting to people!” says Stokes.
Here are some quick tips for swigging back more water in your regular wellness routine:
Is It Safe to Keep a Water Bottle in a Hot Car? Here’s What Health Experts Have to Say
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
