5 Signs You're Chronically Under-Hydrated

Living things need water to survive, and your body requires optimal water levels to function. However, sweating and urinating cost your body precious fluids and electrolytes. If you aren’t continually replenishing your body’s water stores, you can get dehydrated quickly.

Being thirsty is a signal you’re not getting enough water. Acute dehydration can happen when you have a stomach virus, exercise vigorously, or spend too much time in the sun. 

However, with chronic under-hydration, your body has had to function on too little water for too long and no longer works as it should. Repeatedly depriving your body of hydrating fluids risks serious health complications, including high blood pressure and kidney stones. 

Maria Cole, APRN, FNP-C, and our team at Enrich Health and Wellness in Boerne, Texas, share five signs you’re under-hydrated and what to do about it. 

1. You have weak and tired muscles

Your muscles need water and electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, potassium) to work. If you don’t provide your body with enough of both, your muscles shut down, causing them to become tired, sore, and stiff much faster.

Chronic dehydration may lead to repeated muscle cramps and twitches. 

2. You have chronic headaches

You’re bound to experience head pain now and again, and the occasional headache isn’t a cause for concern. However, frequent headaches could indicate chronic dehydration. 

Dehydration headaches bring pain typically limited to your head that goes away with increased water intake. The headache may be accompanied by dizziness and extreme thirst. 

3. You have dry, flaky skin

When your body doesn’t get enough water, it makes sense that your skin dries out. Note that dry skin from dehydration differs from dry skin due to a loss of oils or conditions like eczema. 

If your skin is dry because of dehydration, you may notice your complexion is dull or flushed, your skin has lost elasticity, and you have more fine lines and patches of rough, scaly skin. 

4. You’re always fatigued 

Since your body needs water to perform even the most basic of functions, not having enough causes your body to shut down and conserve energy. As a result, you might constantly feel run-down and sluggish, no matter how much sleep you get. 

5. You have strange food cravings

Each of your organs needs water to do its designated job. For example, your liver needs water to release glucose and other resources that give you long-lasting energy. As a result, you can experience strong food cravings, particularly for sweet or salty foods. 

Our solution for chronic dehydration

To prevent chronic dehydration, drink enough fluids every day and increase that intake if you complete an intense workout or spend all day in the sun. If you notice signs of chronic dehydration, increase those fluid levels by drinking more water.

Also, consider a visit to Enrich Health and Wellness for IV hydration therapy, which can help your body recover from long-term dehydration.

To schedule an IV hydration session, call our office or use online booking today.