{"id":6189,"date":"2023-08-02T00:34:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T17:34:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6189"},"modified":"2023-08-02T00:34:17","modified_gmt":"2023-08-01T17:34:17","slug":"8-dehydration-side-effects-that-may-surprise-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6189","title":{"rendered":"8 Dehydration Side Effects That May Surprise You"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">I<\/span>f there\u2019s one piece of advice that health and wellness experts of all stripes like to repeat over and over again, it\u2019s to drink enough water. Being dehydrated can lead to well-known problems like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/summer-digestion-gut-health\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/summer-digestion-gut-health\/\">constipation<\/a>, kidney problems, dry mouth, and more. That\u2019s old news, right?<\/div>\n<p>Here\u2019s where it gets interesting, though: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/causes-of-dehydration\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/causes-of-dehydration\/\">Dehydration<\/a> can also impact how you feel in sneakier, more unexpected ways, as well. Doctors share some of the most surprising side effects to know about.<\/p>\n<h2>Dehydration side effects may explain why you\u2019re experiencing\u2026<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Bad breath or a weird taste in your mouth<\/h3>\n<p>Having fresh breath isn\u2019t only about mints and mouthwash. \u201cIf you are dehydrated, you make less saliva, and so [you] cannot fight off odor-containing bacteria in your mouth,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harborhealth.com\/clinicians\/andrea-gabel-md\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.harborhealth.com\/clinicians\/andrea-gabel-md\">Andrea Gabel, MD<\/a>, a board-certified family physician. Saliva has antibacterial compounds, she explains, so a dry mouth can mean more bad-smelling bacteria hangs around.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Joint pain<\/h3>\n<p>Water is important for our joints, no matter how healthy they already feel. \u201cDehydration contributes to both new onset joint pain and [the] worsening of already-existing joint pain,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/weheal.health\/practitioner\/alona-pulde-md\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/weheal.health\/practitioner\/alona-pulde-md\/\">Alona Pulde, MD<\/a>, a family medicine physician and CEO of WeHeal. \u201cHydration is extremely important in keeping the joints lubricated and flexible, reducing inflammation, and preventing friction and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/joint-mobilty-exercises\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/joint-mobilty-exercises\/\">stiffness of the joints<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>3. Muscle cramps<\/h3>\n<p>While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/stretch-before-after-workout\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/stretch-before-after-workout\/\">stretching regularly<\/a> is crucial for staying mobile, it\u2019s not the only way to keep our muscles feeling good. \u201c[Muscle cramps] can occur from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/signs-of-electrolyte-imbalance\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/signs-of-electrolyte-imbalance\/\">electrolyte imbalances<\/a> caused by sweating in heat or vomiting\/diarrhea during an illness,\u201d Dr. Gabel says. Drinking more water will usually solve this problem, she says, but an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/best-electrolyte-drinks\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/best-electrolyte-drinks\/\">electrolyte beverage<\/a> might also be needed.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Compromised skin health<\/h3>\n<p>If your skin hasn\u2019t been looking or feeling too great recently, you might need to drink more water. \u201cWhen the body lacks adequate water, the skin can become dry, flaky, and more prone to irritations and breakouts,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/glowam.com\/about-us\/dr-patrick-carter-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/glowam.com\/about-us\/dr-patrick-carter-do\/\">Patrick Carter, DO,<\/a> a board-certified family practitioner and the medical director of corporate locations at <a href=\"https:\/\/primeivhydration.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/primeivhydration.com\/\">Prime IV Hydration &amp; Wellness<\/a>. \u201cDehydration reduces the skin\u2019s ability to maintain its natural protective barrier, making it susceptible to external pollutants and irritants.\u201d<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<hr\/>\n<h3>5. Decreased immunity and functioning<\/h3>\n<p>As you can probably tell, water plays a major role in many bodily functions. Giving our bodies an inadequate amount can negatively impact our blood, lymphatic systems, mucous membranes, white blood cells, and nutrient absorption, as well, according to Dr. Pulde.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen our body is lacking vital resources, it redistributes its focus to organs necessary for survival, like our heart and lungs,\u201d she explains. \u201cImmunity becomes less important, and therefore suppressed.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>6. Mind and mood problems<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s not all in your head if you find it harder to think clearly after a sweaty workout. Dr. Carter mentions difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and lower overall cognitive performance as potential side effects of dehydration. \u201cThe science behind this is related to reduced blood flow to the brain, alterations in neurotransmitter levels, and changes in brain cell activity due to dehydration,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/dehydration-side-effects\/\" current-title=\"8 Surprising Side Effects of Dehydration That Can Make You Feel\u2026 Not So Great\" current-image=\"GettyImages-dehydration-side-effects-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-02-01\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/dehydration-side-effects\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/dehydration-side-effects\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/dehydration-side-effects\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Dr. Gabel mentions how depression and anxiety can also pop up due to decreased blood flow, too.<\/p>\n<p>Side note: Especially <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-causes-brain-fog\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-causes-brain-fog\/\">when you\u2019re feeling brain fog<\/a>, you may (understandably) want to turn to caffeine\u2014but Dr. Gabel thinks that\u2019s probably not in your best interest. \u201cThis may make it worse, as caffeine is a natural diuretic, and this can lead to worsening dehydration,\u201d she says. You\u2019re better off reaching for your favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/water-bottles-making-hydration-popular\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/water-bottles-making-hydration-popular\/\">designer water bottle<\/a> first.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Sugar cravings<\/h3>\n<p>Feeling in the mood for something sweet or carb-rich? Go for it! But consider drinking some water, too. Dehydration can prevent your body from regulating your blood sugar (or glucose) as effectively, meaning it can\u2019t release that glucose to give your body energy, according to Dr. Pulde. \u201cAs a result, sugar cravings are increased in an effort to provide you with a quick energy boost,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<h3>8. More allergy and asthma symptoms<\/h3>\n<p>It turns out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/pollen-allergy-food-syndrome\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/pollen-allergy-food-syndrome\/\">pollen floating around in the air<\/a> isn\u2019t the only allergy contributor here. \u201cDehydration causes an increase in histamine levels, which are what causes our allergy symptoms,\u201d Dr. Gabel notes.<\/p>\n<p>But what about asthma? Dr. Gabel says dehydration can also cause inflammation in the airways and an increase in mucus production. \u201cThis can cause asthma symptoms to worsen, such as chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n<h2>So what can help?<\/h2>\n<p>If you find yourself experiencing these dehydration side effects, your first (and most obvious) step is to make sure you&#8217;re drinking enough water. What does that mean, though? According to Dr. Gabel, the \u201ceight glasses a day\u201d advice is a bit of a myth. \u201cIt really varies person to person,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Generally speaking, she recommends a baseline of a half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight (more toward the one-ounce end if you\u2019re exercising, she clarifies).<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t know how much you weigh, and don\u2019t want to know? That\u2019s fair\u2014just go with your best guess. You can check your urine color (ideally a light yellow, Dr. Gabel says) to make sure you&#8217;re getting enough.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Gabel adds that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/dehydration-over-60\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/dehydration-over-60\/\">thirst can decrease with age<\/a>, so it\u2019s not always a reliable marker. If you think you&#8217;re falling behind on the hydration front, focus on incorporating a mix of water, electrolyte beverages, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/hydrating-foods\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/hydrating-foods\/\">hydrating foods<\/a> into your diet. In other words, while water is important, there are additional options for those of us who don\u2019t love it!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If there\u2019s one piece of advice that health and wellness experts of all stripes like to repeat over and over again, it\u2019s to drink enough water. Being dehydrated can lead to well-known problems like constipation, kidney problems, dry mouth, and more. That\u2019s old news, right? Here\u2019s where it gets interesting, though: Dehydration can also impact &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6190,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6189","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6189"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6189\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6189"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}