5 warning signs of dehydration that indicate lack of water

Water is a key component of our body and is very important for staying healthy. However, in everyday life, many people often do not pay proper attention to water intake. This can cause dehydration and greatly increase the risk of dehydration. Below are five warning signs of dehydration that indicate lack of water.

As the temperature rises, the risk of dehydration increases | Source: Midjourney

1. Hunger
If you are dehydrated, you will feel hungry. Thirst due to lack of water is mistaken for hunger. Why does our brain have this illusion? This is because these two sensations, hunger and thirst, are sensed in the same part of the brain. In times like these, our body especially seeks carbohydrates.

2. Headache
Headache is also one of the representative symptoms of dehydration. If you are dehydrated, blood volume decreases and the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain decreases. Since brain tissue is made up of 70-80% water, even a small lack of water in the body can cause memory loss and headaches. Additionally, increased blood pressure due to lack of water can narrow blood vessels and impede blood flow, causing headaches.

3. Fatigue
One of the main symptoms of dehydration is fatigue. In particular, if you feel drowsy even after a good night’s sleep, it may be a symptom of dehydration. When you are dehydrated, it becomes difficult to use your head or do physical activities because your muscles cannot function properly. If you immediately feel tired and consume caffeinated beverages, dehydration symptoms may worsen due to the diuretic effect.

4. Change in urine color
If your urine is dark in color, it may be a sign that you need to drink more water urgently. In a state of dehydration, the body tries to minimize water loss and maintain water retention in the body. This reduces moisture output such as sweat, saliva, or urine. As a result, the concentration of urine increases, becomes more concentrated, and becomes darker in color. At this time, if the amount of urine decreases, the system that excretes bacteria from the body to the outside of the body may malfunction, increasing the risk of developing cystitis.

5. Muscle cramps
When you lack moisture, your blood concentration becomes thicker and your blood cannot circulate smoothly. When blood cannot flow properly, our body begins to cut off blood supply to parts of the body that are considered relatively less important, the representative part of which is the leg muscles. If you continue to experience calf muscle spasms, you may suspect a lack of moisture.