Not drinking enough water can show up in surprising ways.
Learn about 8 sneaky dehydration side effects that signal it’s time to hydrate.
Being dehydrated can lead to well-known problems likeconstipation, kidney problems, dry mouth, and more.
Thats old news, right?
Doctors share some of the most surprising side effects to know about.
Dehydration side effects may explain why youre experiencing…
1.
a family medicine physician and CEO of WeHeal
Bad breath or a weird taste in your mouth
Having fresh breath isnt only about mints and mouthwash.
Saliva has antibacterial compounds, she explains, so a dry mouth can mean more bad-smelling bacteria hangs around.
Joint pain
Water is important for our joints, no matter how healthy they already feel.
Drinking more water will usually solve this problem, she says, but anelectrolyte beveragemight also be needed.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Decreased immunity and functioning
As you could probably tell, water plays a major role in many bodily functions.
Immunity becomes less important, and therefore suppressed.
Dr. Gabel mentions how depression and anxiety can also pop up due to decreased blood flow, too.
Youre better off reaching for your favoritedesigner water bottlefirst.
a family medicine physician and CEO of WeHeal
Sugar cravings
Feeling in the mood for something sweet or carb-rich?
But consider drinking some water, too.
More allergy and asthma symptoms
It turns outpollen floating around in the airisnt the only allergy contributor here.
Dehydration causes an increase in histamine levels, which are what causes our allergy symptoms, Dr. Gabel notes.
But what about asthma?
Dr. Gabel says dehydration can also cause inflammation in the airways and an increase in mucus production.
So what can help?
What does that mean, though?
According to Dr. Gabel, the eight glasses a day advice is a bit of a myth.
It really varies person to person, she says.
Keep in mindwhat causes dehydrationcan depend on many factors, including sleep, exercise, anddry mouth during pregnancy.
Dont know how much you weigh, and dont want to know?
Thats fairjust go with your best guess.
Dr. Gabel adds thatthirst can decrease with age, so its not always a reliable marker.
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