27/08/2017
“People don’t realize the amount of fluid they can lose in the heat, or while exercising,” And it’s important to note that your hydration needs are very individual,”
How much liquid do we need each day? It depends. Here are a few signs you might be dehydrated and tips to stay healthy all summer long.
1. Increased thirst and a dry or sticky mouth
The best way to prevent this from happening is to meet your daily hydration needs, for women, the National Academy of Sciences recommends 2.7 liters of water a day (about 11.4 cups), and for men, 3.7 liters (15 cups). Try to drink more water if you’ve spent excessive time in the sun, or exercising.
2. Signs of fatigue, confusion or anger
3. Dry eyes or blurred vision
“When you’ve been exercising for a long time, you’re sweating and your overall body fluid goes down — this can result in dry eyes or blurred vision,”
4. Headaches or disorientation
Dehydration can result in a headache or migraine, light headedness or delirium.
5. Muscle cramps
“If you’ve been exercising, it’s natural for your legs to feel tired, but if it’s more than that and you’re experiencing muscle cramping, that’s a serious sign of dehydration,”
6. Lack of sweat
7. Dark urine
“Straw-colored or light yellow urine means you're properly hydrated.
8. Fever
“Dehydration can lead to hyperthermia and a fever-like symptoms (e.g. chills) because over-heating can alter your body's normal temperature 'set point,'”
9. Shriveled and dry skin
If your skin is hydrated, it will appear doughy. If you’re dehydrated, your skin will lack elasticity and won’t bounce back. “If you pinch your skin and it appears thin and doesn’t melt back onto your body quickly, you’re dehydrated,”