The Dangers of Dehydration
By Genevieve Cunningham
Dehydration. You've definitely heard of it. Dehydration is what happens when your body is severely lacking water. But unless you’ve been through dehydration for yourself, you may not understand its dangers. In order to keep yourself as healthy as possible, take a look at these dangers of dehydration, followed by some tips for staying safe.
Potential Side Effects
If you're becoming dehydrated, you may experience a wide range of symptoms. They can range in severity, but any potential dehydration needs immediate care. And if you suspect dehydration is getting even mildly out of hand, you'll need to seek professional care as soon as possible. Some of the possible side effects of dehydration may include:
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Rapid heart rate - Dehydration may cause the heart to beat faster than normal, leaving you flushed and light headed.
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Clammy skin - When dehydration sets in, you may notice cold, clammy skin. This is a sure sign to seek medical attention.
- Dry mouth - You may notice a dry feeling in the mouth when the body is lacking water. Some describe it as cotton-mouth, as it often feels as though your mouth is full of cotton balls.
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Weakness - Dehydration can cause severe weakness, even so much as to not be able to stand or sit upright.
- Headache - For many, this is the first noticeable sign of dehydration. A headache that persists may signal a need for rehydration.
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Death - Though you should seek medical care at the first sign of dehydration, it's important to remember that this condition is serious enough to cause death if left untreated.
How to Stay Hydrated
If you're trying to stay hydrated, there are multiple ways to do it. The most obvious is to drink plenty of water. Even if you're not feeling thirsty, sipping on water is a good idea. If you're spending massive amounts of time in the sun or you're particularly active, you should also replace electrolytes with something like a sports drink. And lastly, protect yourself by eliminating water loss as much as possible. Stay in the shade, wear layers, and wear sunscreen every time you'll be spending time in the sun.
Dehydration is a big deal. It's not something to take lightly, and it's not something to ignore. Use these tips to keep yourself hydrated this summer so that you can enjoy good health and tons of fun all summer long.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Castle Rock, Colo.
