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Watch Out for These 5 Unusual Signs of Dehydration

man drinking water

Did you know more than half of your body is made of water? Water aids in many of the body’s vital functions, including regulating body temperature, lubricating joints and aiding in digestion.

It doesn’t take much to become dehydrated. Losing just 2% of your body’s water content will cause mild dehydration.

Spot dehydration before it becomes a problem by looking for these signs.

Bad Breath

Saliva has anti-bacterial properties and when you’re dehydrated, saliva levels go down. This can lead to bacterial growth that causes bad breath.

Learn more about how to stay hydrated.

Blurry Vision

Dehydration can lower water levels in your body, which can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated, resulting in blurred vision.

Food Cravings

Feeling hungry? Instead of grabbing a snack, you may need to drink water. When we’re dehydrated, our body sends signals to the brain that may be misinterpreted as hunger when we’re actually thirsty.

Headaches

Water helps keep your blood flowing and when you’re dehydrated, less blood flow gets to the brain. This can cause headaches, and in extreme cases, light-headedness and dizziness.

Lack of Sweat

Sweating is one of the ways your body regulates its internal temperature. If you’re not sweating after a workout, it could be a signal that your body is dehydrated and holding onto water. If your body doesn’t cool down, you could be at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Advice or recommendations are for informational or educational purposes only, not a substitute for a visit or consultation with your doctor.

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.

WellTuned provides inspiration and practical advice for healthy living.
WellTuned does not offer medical advice. Any personal health questions should be addressed to your doctor.

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