Little Known Signs of Dehydration

When it comes to your overall health, various symptoms or roadblocks can interrupt your path to feeling your best. One of these disruptive issues is none other than dehydration. Unfortunately, dehydration can sometimes have a funny way of sneaking up on you and lead to other health issues. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about being thirsty. 

At The Higher Care Clinic (Thc2), Jason W. Sims, DO, and our dedicated team in Tulsa, Oklahoma, understand that the signs of dehydration may not always be as obvious as you might think. That’s why we’re here to help you determine if dehydration is what you’re suffering from and get your body back to functioning at its best. 

If you’re curious about some of the little-known signs of dehydration that could indicate you need to up your water intake, keep reading! 

Uncommon signs of dehydration 

The first noticeable sign of dehydration is that you’re thirsty — but what are the other lesser-known indicators that your body is running low on water? By the time your body starts warning you that it's thirsty, you might already be mildly dehydrated. That’s why we highly recommend that you keep an eye out for these uncommon signs as well:

Dark urine

One of the main signs that something’s amiss is if you notice that your urine is dark yellow or amber-colored, as this usually indicates that your body is dehydrated. Healthy urine should ideally be light yellow. Why? Dark urine is a sign that your kidneys are trying to conserve water. As a result, waste products like urea and ammonia become more concentrated and give your urine a darker color.

Dry skin and lips 

Although the winter season can be harsh, dehydration can also be the culprit behind dry skin and chapped lips. 

Fatigue 

When your body is dehydrated, your heart has to work harder to pump blood into your system, which can reduce oxygen flow. Unfortunately, this extra effort can leave you feeling more tired than usual. If you feel drained, up your water intake and see if that makes a difference. 

Head-to-toe dehydration symptoms 

Beyond the signs we’ve just covered, dehydration can have some surprising symptoms in your head and body that you might never expect. Here are a few of the more elusive signs you should pay attention to: 

Frequent headaches 

Although various factors like stress and hormone fluctuations can lead to frequent headaches, don’t overlook dehydration as a leading cause as well. Dehydration leads to reduced blood flow to your brain, which can cause significant tension and trigger persistent headaches. Before reaching for a pain reliever, try drinking a glass of water to see if you feel any relief. 

Dizziness or lightheadedness 

This sign can be quite alarming and calls for immediate attention. If you’re feeling woozy without an apparent reason or cause, it could be due to dehydration affecting your blood pressure. In this case, contact us for further assessment. 

Foggy memory 

If you’re feeling less sharp these days and forgetting things often, it might be a sign that dehydration is impairing your cognitive function. If you’re concerned, drink more water and call us. 

The importance of staying hydrated 

At The Higher Care Clinic, we’re all about helping you achieve your highest level of health and wellness, including ensuring you’re adequately hydrated and listening to your body’s cues. 

By incorporating better hydration habits into your routine and looking out for those symptoms of dehydration, we can help you on the road to a healthier life and avoid any other issues down the line. 

Remember, maintaining optimal hydration in your body isn’t just about drinking water when you’re thirsty; it’s about taking preventative measures and making hydration a consistent part of your lifestyle. 

If you’re ready to learn more about dehydration symptoms and address any concerns about your health,  contact The Higher Care Clinic or request an appointment using our online scheduler to book your primary care exam with Dr. Sims today.