Why am I so dehydrated even though I drink water?

Why am I so dehydrated even though I drink water?

You might have an electrolyte imbalance: Electrolyte imbalances are one of the most common reasons you might feel dehydrated even after drinking tons of water: “Sometimes if we drink a lot of water but we don’t take in enough fruits and vegetables, our electrolytes—sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, etc.

Can you be dehydrated and thirsty?

Thirst isn’t a helpful indicator of hydration. In fact, when you’re thirsty, you could already be dehydrated, having lost as much as 1 to 2 percent of your body’s water content.

Is dehydration and thirst the same thing?

(1) “Thirst” (the sensation of wanting to drink) and “dehydration” (the physiological fact of having lost fluids) are two related but distinct things. (2) It’s thirst, not dehydration, that causes impaired exercise performance.

Is the sensation of thirst a good indicator of dehydration?

Thirst isn’t always a reliable early indicator of the body’s need for water. Many people, particularly older adults, don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. That’s why it’s important to increase water intake during hot weather or when you’re ill.

What are signs of severe dehydration?

Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:

• feeling thirsty.
• dark yellow and strong-smelling pee.
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
• feeling tired.
• a dry mouth, lips and eyes.
• peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day.

  Why is thirst a poor indicator of hydration status?

  When their sweat loss exceeds fluid intake, athletes become dehydrated during activity. Thirst is a notoriously poor indicator of dehydration because it is a delayed response.

  Why do you get thirsty when you have diabetes?

  Diabetes thirst increases when your body loses too much water from urination caused by high blood sugar. Even if you drink often, you might still feel thirsty or dehydrated. This is because your kidneys will continue to produce more urine to flush out excess glucose.

  What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration?

  Signs and symptoms of severe dehydration include tremors, weakness, and blurry vision, says Jessica Nouhavandi, PharmD , the co-CEO and cofounder of Honeybee Health, in Culver City, California.

  Why do some people lose their sense of thirst?

  We can survive for only a matter of days without water. Thirst serves as an automatic reminder of that fact—and, thus, plays a crucial role in keeping us alive. Yet people sometimes lose their sense of thirst. The elderly in particular are prone to not feeling thirsty, even as they become dehydrated.

  What should you do if you think you are dehydrated?

  In extreme cases, dehydration can be fatal, so it’s always important to hydrate appropriately, pay attention to any signs and symptoms of dehydration, and alert your doctor.