Could You Be Dehydrated?

Do you frequently get headaches, muscle cramps or bad breath? If so, then you might just be suffering from dehydration. That’s right something as simple as drinking insufficient water can lead to a whole host of problems. You might be thinking, “I’m not thirsty, so I can’t be dehydrated”, but that’s just not true. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, your thirst is not the most reliable factor in determining how hydrated you are, and you should be using the color of your urine instead. Clear to light colored urine is the goal you want to aim for.

Adequate hydration is especially important to consider during the summer months. "People don't realize the amount of fluid they can lose in the heat, or while exercising," explains Michael F. Bergeron, Ph.D., and president and chief executive officer of Youth Sports of the Americas. "And it's important to note that your hydration needs are very individual," continues Bergeron. Which is precisely why it is so important to be able to recognize when you are actually dehydrated. The following list of symptoms will make recognizing your thirst easy: