In the heat of summer, it can take as little as 30 minutes to become dehydrated. But it’s not just the heat that can dry you out.
Air-conditioning or even just sitting in front of a fan for extended periods can do the job of dehydrating you just as quickly.
Dehydration can be subtle, but it can turn into a serious health concern. While there are many opinions on how much water you need to drink on average each day to stay properly hydrated, different hydration requirements among people will vary. However, making sure you drink at least a few glasses of water each day should help to stave off the effects of dehydration.
From minor symptoms such as having trouble concentrating, thirst and a dry mouth, to more serious concerns such as nausea, headaches, heat stroke and fever, dehydration affects people in different ways. Dehydration can become so bad that you can land in hospital.
So, how can you tell if you’re dehydrated? Here are nine signs to look out for:
- Increased thirst and a dry sticky mouth
- Tiredness, confusion and anger
- Dry eyes and blurred vision
- Headaches, dizziness and disorientation
- Cramping
- Not sweating
- Dark-coloured urine
- Fever
- Dry skin
Tips:
Plain water is good for you, but experts recommend a combination of water, electrolytes and sodium to stay properly hydrated.
If you’re in the sun for too long, or exercise a little too strenuously, it’s important to know that you can still overheat, no matter how much water you drink.