"Leg cramps and sudden constipation"... Are these also signs of dehydration?

If your body's water content is 2% deficient, you'll feel thirsty... but there are also unexpected signs.

 

Dehydration can cause muscle cramps.

 

Feeling thirsty is a sign that your body's fluids are running low. However, thirst is not the only clue to dehydration. On hot days like these, it's easy to become dehydrated, but you can be dehydrated even if you don't feel thirsty.

 

This is why it is important to properly detect the various signals our body sends. The generally recommended daily water intake is 8 glasses, but in reality, it varies from person to person. According to the American health and medical media 'Prevention,' children and the elderly should drink more water to prevent dehydration.

 

 

If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, are taking certain medications, or have recently experienced a viral infection, you also need to replenish more fluids. The amount varies depending on the weather and circumstances, such as hot and humid days or during exercise.

 

To prevent dehydration, you should drink water whenever you feel thirsty. Usually, when the body's water content drops by about 2%, you will feel thirsty. If you do not drink enough water at this time, the level of dehydration will gradually worsen. You should also drink enough water in the following situations.

 

"Sudden muscle cramps..." = Plasma, the liquid component in blood, is composed of water, proteins, and sodium. When there is a lack of water, the plasma becomes concentrated, causing the blood to thicken and flow less smoothly. If the blood does not flow properly, our body prioritizes blood supply to less critical areas. Muscles are a typical example, which can lead to muscle cramps.

 

 

Constipation that didn't exist before has appeared = When there is a lack of fluids, problems can arise even with bowel movements, and constipation is a typical example. The digestive system also needs sufficient water to function smoothly. To improve intestinal health and function, hydration is important.

 

The color of urine is very dark. A darkening of urine color is also related to dehydration. If proper hydration is maintained, urine appears as a light lemon color. However, if fluid intake decreases, urine color becomes darker than usual.

 

Feeling tired for no reason is a sign of dehydration. When the body lacks fluids, blood flow worsens, leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain and increased strain on the heart. This results in increased fatigue. When blood supply to the brain is reduced, headaches can also occur.

 

"Your saliva has dried up" = Even if your throat isn't dry, if your mouth feels dry, it means you're lacking fluids. This occurs when there isn't enough saliva produced due to dehydration. When your mouth is dry, bad breath worsens, so before trying to eliminate bad breath with gum, it's better to first drink a glass of water.

 

"Urine dribbling" = When hydration is insufficient, changes occur in the amount of urine. Fluids help the kidneys eliminate blood waste products through urine. When water is lacking, the kidneys cannot function properly, leading to a decrease in urine volume. Chronic dehydration symptoms can also cause health problems such as kidney stones.

 

"Rough skin" = 80% of the skin is composed of moisture. When water is lacking, the skin also becomes dry.