Without enough water in your system, your body does not function normally. Your blood becomes thicker, and the heart has to work harder to pump. This decreases the efficiency of the blood to get nutrients to the body, and it slows you down.
Dehydration can also interrupt normal brain function, draining your energy supply even further. Instead, sip on water all day, and you’ll notice your energy levels surge.
When you’re dehydrated, saliva production decreases, leaving your mouth and lips feeling dry. Dry mouth can also make your breath stinky, because bacteria has the chance to linger longer when it’s not being washed away on the reg.
Cramping has been connected to dehydration and a sodium deficit in the body. Exertional heat cramping, or full body cramping, may be related to sodium depletion and fluid loss especially in individuals who are salty sweaters. In this case, sipping on an electrolyte sports drink can be helpful to restore the natural mineral balance in the body.
Simply consuming the recommended eight to ten, eight ounce glasses of water on a daily basis is crucial to maintain a healthy body not just in the summer months but throughout the year.
Keep in mind that dehydration is not the only condition that affects heart rate. Rapid heart rate or palpitations can also indicate a more serious medical condition. That being said, if your heart rate does not return to normal after drinking water, you should consult a medical professional.
It’s important to be properly hydrated before you start exercising, particularly if you are going to be active in the heat.
Even in cooler weather, dehydration is possible if you don’t drink enough fluids while working out. According to Higgins, symptoms may be milder or come on slower, but dehydration carries the same risks, regardless of the outside temperature.
In infants, so-called dehydration fever may develop if there is inadequate fluid intake, diarrhea, or vomiting. Any fever in an infant or toddler is cause for concern. Ask your pediatrician for guidelines on when to call for help.
