Dehydration is definitely a summer hazard in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, you can lose fluids and become dehydrated any time of the year and for a number of reasons. Whether you’ve been working out too hard without replenishing fluids, you drank too much last night, or you have a chronic condition that increases the risk of dehydration, it’s important to know the symptoms of dehydration in adults. 

Dehydration occurs when you lose about 1-2% of your water content, and it can have adverse effects on your mind and body. Knowing the signs and symptoms will help you understand when you need to stop and replenish those fluids fast, so you can improve your health. 

Here are common symptoms to look out for.

1. Dark or Minimal Urine

An easy way to determine whether you’re dehydrated is to pay attention to your urine. If it comes out dark yellow (think: apple juice), it means you’re not taking in enough fluids. Normal urine is pale yellow in color (think: lemonade). 

Also take note of how often you urinate—if you’re going less than 4 times a day, you’re probably dehydrated.

2. Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing

A rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing are common signs of dehydration caused by working out and the overproduction of sweat. If your heartbeat and breathing don’t regulate after you’ve stopped exercising, it could mean you’re dehydrated. This is caused by a depletion of electrolytes, which affects the heart’s ability to pump blood. 

3. Lightheadedness or Dizziness

Maybe you just stood up too fast, so you got lightheaded. However, if your dizziness and lightheadedness persist, you may be dehydrated. That’s because the brain is 73% water and requires fluids to function properly. If you feel confused or like you could pass out at any moment, you could be severely dehydrated and require immediate fluids. 

4. Excess Thirst

It’s an obvious sign of dehydration that may people actually ignore on a day-to-day basis. You might be too enthralled in your work to notice, and suddenly half the day has gone by without you drinking a single drop of water. In more advanced cases, this thirst might be accompanied by a dry mouth and swollen tongue. Pay attention to that thirst because it’s an early sign that you need more fluids. 

5. Headache

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. Before reaching for that bottle of pills to ease the pain, try replenishing your fluids first. That headache could be your brain’s way of telling you it desperately needs more water to function properly. 

6. Feeling Tired 

If you got a good night’s rest and you’re still tired, dehydration might be the culprit. Because 55% of your blood is liquid, dehydration can reduce your blood pressure. In turn, this can make you feel tired, fatigued, and even lethargic. Being properly hydrated, on the other hand, helps boost your energy levels.

7. Muscle Cramps

Your muscles need enough water, sodium, calcium, potassium, glucose, and magnesium to contract normally. 

If you’ve noticed your muscles twitching or cramping lately, it could be caused by the depletion of electrolytes. Replenish your lost fluids, vitamins, and minerals ASAP. 

Treat Dehydration Fast with IV Therapy

When you’re dehydrated, your body is missing the necessary fluids to function properly. That fluid loss has probably also caused the depletion of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, too. If you’re feeling dehydrated, it’s important to replace those fluids fast, and an IV drip is the fastest way to do just that.

Get a Hydration IV drip in the San Francisco Bay Area by booking a mobile appointment with Rejuv IV. We come to you to administer at-home treatment.