Photo: Jill Burrow

How do I know I'm hydrated?

One of the easiest ways to tell is by checking the color of your urine. If it looks clear or pale yellow, then you're drinking enough water. But if your urine is a darker yellow or an amber color, then it's time to hydrate.

healthy.kaiserpermanente.org - 10 warning signs of dehydration - Kaiser Permanente

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What do you think is more essential: Food or water? While we tend to focus a lot of our time and energy on food — deciding what to eat for lunch or make for dinner — water is essential. In fact, we can go up to 3 weeks without food but wouldn’t last more than 3 or 4 days without water. "Hydration is necessary for survival," explains Ronald A. Navarro, MD, Kaiser Permanente’s coordinating chief of orthopedic surgery for Southern California." The cells in our bodies contain water and are surrounded by water. When we’re dehydrated, these cells are less permeable, which means they have trouble absorbing nutrients and removing waste."

The benefits of hydration

When you drink enough water, you’re helping your body function at its best. You may even experience some impressive health benefits, which can include the following.

Keeping cool

When you overheat — whether it’s because of a sunny day, an intense workout, or a fever — your body produces sweat to cool down. Sweat is mostly made of water, so your body needs to stay hydrated to help you stay nice and cool.

Getting muscles and joints to work at peak performance

Because your cells work better when fully hydrated, it can increase your body’s ability to perform. Water also helps lubricate your joints, making it easier to move.

Helping control weight

"We often mistake thirst for hunger," says Dr. Navarro. "Drinking enough water may help us avoid misplaced urges that tell us to eat when we don’t need to."

Preventing constipation

People who are well-hydrated usually have regular bowel movements. Hard bowel movements or constipation can be a sign that you aren’t getting enough water — or fiber. So how much water do you need to drink per day? The short answer: It depends. "The most common recommendation is to drink 8 ounces of water 6 or 8 times a day, every day," explains Dr. Navarro." However, some adults may need more or less, depending on their overall health. Factors like illness and medications can affect how much water you may need. You should also take into account how much you exercise, the level of intensity, and how hot and dry the weather is."

Warning signs of dehydration

Not sure if you’re dehydrated? One of the easiest ways to tell is by checking the color of your urine. If it looks clear or pale yellow, then you’re drinking enough water. But if your urine is a darker yellow or an amber color, then it’s time to hydrate.

Other warning signs of dehydration can include:

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Bad breath

Decreased amount of urine

Dry mouth and swollen tongue

Sluggishness and fatigue

Sugar cravings

And if you’re feeling any of the following more severe dehydration symptoms, seek medical attention right away:

Confusion

Dizziness

Fainting

Heart palpitations

Causes of dehydration

How do we get dehydrated? The most common cause is not drinking enough water throughout the day — but things like hot weather, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, and working out are other factors. There are also less common causes of dehydration to keep an eye out for — like stress, certain medications, aging, high altitudes, and burns (including sunburns).

Does wearing a mask cause dehydration?

To slow the spread of the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a face covering when in public. Wearing a mask does not cause dehydration, but you may drink less water when you’re wearing one. When you wear a face covering for long periods of time, it’s important to be mindful of how much water you drink. Bring a water bottle with you when you leave the house and set reminders on your smartphone to take frequent water breaks. Check in with your body throughout the day for signs of thirst or dehydration. If you’re wearing a mask while working out, for example, and start to feel fatigued or overheated, stop what you’re doing. Find a spot away from people, remove your mask, and drink water. Note: It’s important to keep your mask dry, as wearing a wet mask can make it difficult to breathe. Always take your mask off before drinking water or other liquids. If you spill on your mask, let it dry before putting it back on. You shouldn’t wear a mask when swimming — just practice physical distancing while in the water.

Are you drinking enough water?

Find out how to keep your body in balance and hydrated. And talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

healthy.kaiserpermanente.org - 10 warning signs of dehydration - Kaiser Permanente

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