Dehydration plagues people every day — oftentimes without them even realizing it or recognizing early signs of dehydration. Taking some simple steps to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day can promote healthier habits and may help reduce the likelihood of dehydration. But, if you’re looking for home remedies for dehydration, there are steps you can take to encourage your body to reabsorb some much-needed water. Learn how to identify the effects of dehydration, spot early dehydration symptoms, and take precautions to avoid it in the future.
What are the Effects of Dehydration and Common Symptoms of Dehydration
Mild cases of dehydration may not be obvious, which explains why a majority of people go through their days dealing with dehydration and overlooking subtle water signs. Dry mouth and thirst are two of the most common signs and early dehydration symptoms that you are mildly dehydrated. If you notice either of these symptoms, be sure to consume water as soon as possible — and continue to consume water throughout the day.
Here are some common effects and symptoms of dehydration of mild to moderate dehydration:
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Dry mouth and thirst
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Dark color or bright yellow urine
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Headaches
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Infrequent urination
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Dry skin
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Fatigue
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Dizziness or fainting
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Muscle cramps
If you notice any of these symptoms, increasing fluid intake may help support hydration.
Severe cases of dehydration are much more obvious, with intense dehydration symptoms, but at that point, it is often a medical emergency. Severe cases of dehydration often require intravenous fluids to replenish your body's water level.
Symptoms of Severe Dehydration Include:
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Very dark colored urine
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Rapid heartbeat
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Elevated blood pressure
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Severe muscle cramps
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Rapid breathing
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Sunken eyes
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Confusion or irritability
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Fainting
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Memory loss or confusion
Dehydration Treatment
For mild to moderate dehydration, increasing fluid intake is often helpful. In some situations, electrolytes can support fluid balance by helping the body absorb and retain water. Products like DripDrop are designed to provide electrolytes alongside fluids and may be used as part of a hydration routine. As with any hydration approach, individual needs vary based on activity level, climate, and overall health.
How to Avoid the Effects of Dehydration
Drink Water First Thing in the Morning
Dehydration often hits first thing in the morning because you’ve spent six to eight hours sleeping without taking a single sip of water. To avoid feeling those effects of dehydration, it’s often suggested that you drink water first thing in the morning. Keep a glass of water or a water bottle on your nightstand is a good morning reminder to hydrate.
Set Reminders
One of the most common reasons people become mildly dehydrated is because we simply forget to drink water sometimes, which can quietly lead to dehydration symptoms. With all the joys and stresses of everyday life, it’s easy to forget to sip — even though water is a vital resource. Set alarms or reminders on your phone that will go often throughout the day as a helpful reminder that it’s time to drink water.
Eat Foods with High Water Content
Drinking water is undoubtedly necessary for healthy living, but if you find that you have a hard time getting enough water each day, try complementing your water drinking intake by eating foods that are high in water content. Some common (and tasty) examples include cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, celery, pineapple, and many other fruits and vegetables.
Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
Investing in a reusable water bottle is not only eco-friendly but a great reminder to drink water throughout the day. Sometimes having a physical reminder is the best way to keep yourself sipping all day long. If you have a difficult time drinking water because you find the flavor to be, well, boring, try adding lemon, cucumber, or mint to your water for a bit of flavor. You can also use DripDrop electrolyte mix to boost your hydration, replenish electrolytes, and add flavor to your water with a range of options including watermelon, fruit punch, lemon, and more.
