9 surprising signs of dehydration to watch out for

9 surprising signs of dehydration to watch out for

Dehydration can occur for various reasons, such as sweating excessively, not drinking enough water, or vomiting and diarrhea. Most people know that some common symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine, but other unusual and hidden signs may point to this condition. Ignoring these signs of dehydration may lead to health issues in the long run. If one experiences any of these symptoms, increasing the intake of water and other fluids is best.

Bad breath
When the body becomes dehydrated, it produces less saliva. Saliva is important in washing away food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Without enough saliva, bacteria can thrive, causing bad breath.

Muscle cramps
When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, which are essential minerals that help regulate nerve and muscle function. This can cause muscles to contract involuntarily, resulting in painful cramps.

Dry or dull skin
Dehydration can cause the skin to become dry, dull, or less elastic. Wrinkles and fine lines may also be a result of dehydrated skin.

Headaches
Dehydration can cause headaches or migraines in some people. When the body is dehydrated, it can decrease blood volume, which can cause blood vessels in the brain to narrow, leading to headaches.

Dizziness
When the body is dehydrated, it can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. This is because the body is trying to conserve water by reducing blood flow to the extremities, including the brain.

Food cravings
When dehydrated, the body may mistakenly interpret thirst as hunger, leading to intense cravings for salty, sugary, or fatty foods. Therefore, if one experiences sudden cravings for certain foods, one can try drinking a glass of water first to see if it helps.

Constipation
When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to constipation because it tries to conserve water by pulling it from the colon, resulting in hard and dry stools.

Urinary tract infections
When the body is dehydrated, it can result in concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder and increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Fatigue or exhaustion
Dehydration can cause fatigue or tiredness. When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, which can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the muscles and organs, resulting in fatigue.

To avoid these symptoms and potential long-term health risks, one is advised to drink plenty of fluids in the form of broths, soups, juices, and smoothies, in addition to water. One can also consume water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, muskmelon, cucumbers, strawberries, oranges, cantaloupe, and celery. Some doctors recommend drinking 8 glasses of water daily, but the requirement varies largely based on one’s lifestyle and overall health. Outdoor activities like running errands may propel one to forget or postpone drinking water. So, it’s best to always keep a water bottle at hand, especially while traveling, working out, or shopping.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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Aches and signs that should never be ignored

Ignoring certain types of aches and pains in the body can be dangerous. Certain body aches may indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring immediate attention. These conditions can worsen and cause further damage to the body if left untreated, and may even lead to life-threatening situations. Ignoring these symptoms and pains may worsen them, resulting in more discomfort and a lower quality of life. Here are a few aches and pains to keep an eye out for. Chest pain Sudden chest pain may indicate a heart attack, which is an emergency. If someone has chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes and is accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, or nausea, one should visit the hospital immediately. A doctor can help one make the best decisions and avoid serious complications. Headaches While headaches are common, they may indicate a more serious condition such as a stroke, brain tumor, or meningitis, if they are severe or appear suddenly. One should seek treatment if a sudden, severe headache strikes, particularly if other symptoms like confusion, dizziness, or altered vision accompany it. Abdominal pain Abdominal pain is a common symptom of several diseases, including pancreatitis, appendicitis, and gallstones. Anyone with persistent or severe abdominal pain should see a doctor, particularly if it is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, or a fever. Back pain Back pain is a common complaint, but it can indicate a more severe problem, like a herniated disk or a spinal cord injury. Consult a physician if the back pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by weakness or numbness in your arms or legs. Joint pain Joint pain can develop due to various conditions, including arthritis and Lyme disease. If someone has ongoing joint pain or swelling, they should see a doctor, especially if they are also experiencing fatigue or fever. Shortness of breath Numerous conditions, such as asthma, COPD, or heart failure, can cause shortness of breath. A doctor should be consulted immediately if one experiences sudden or severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or bloody in their cough. Swollen legs Swelling in the leg can be caused by various conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis or heart failure. Make sure to consult a physician urgently if this is followed by shortness of breath or chest pain. Vision changes Vision changes can indicate various conditions, including glaucoma or macular degeneration. Any changes in vision should be reported to an eye doctor, particularly if the pain is severe and accompanied by headaches. Pain during urination If one feels discomfort while urinating, it is critical to get tested. If the pain is accompanied by a fever, back pain, or blood in the urine, one should immediately speak with their physician. This sign can be associated with a urinary tract infection. A kidney or bladder stone is another common cause for pain while urinating. While some aches and pains may be minor, it is critical to be attentive to the body and seek a doctor's attention if the symptoms persist. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the outcome of many conditions.

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