Dehydration is the Same as Driving Intoxicated
That was the research released in the Journal of Psychology and Behavior in 2015. Dehydration is a leading contributor to drowsiness, dizziness, lack of mental clarity, joint and muscle pain, headaches, and constipation. It can also lead to other significant health problems such as allergies, high blood pressure and cholesterol, bladder and kidney problems, digestive disorders, and many others.
If a person is not adequately hydrated, it can lead to Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke can sneak up on a person with no to little warning. In hot weather, the body cools itself by sweating, which in turn regulates the body’s temperature. When exposed to prolonged durations of heat, the body isn’t able to cool as efficiently, and stops sweating. Circumstances that exacerbate Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke include not drinking enough water, overdressing, and alcohol use.
Water is vital to health! It’s like oil that is needed to run a car engine; without it, a car engine burns up, much like the body would burn up without enough water. Drinking the right amount of water can be one of the best defense maneuvers when it comes to summer heat. It is KEY to drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water daily, and at a minimum, 77-99 ounces for males, and 66-78 ounces for females. This is not only imperative during hotter temperatures, but to also support overall daily health.
It is KEY to drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water daily.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
- Headache
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Heavy sweating
- Cold or clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fast or weak pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Weakness or muscle cramps
- Excessive thirst
In the event of Heat Exhaustion, move to a cooler place and lie down. Move excessive clothing layers, and hydrate with water or electrolyte infused products in small sips. Apply cold compresses to the neck, armpits, and groin areas.
Signs of Heat Stroke, a Medical Emergency, Call 911!
- Headache
- Confusion or delirium
- Loss of consciousness
- Lack of sweating or very dry extremities
- Hot, red skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Body temperature above 104 degrees
- Low blood pressure
- Excessive thirst
In the event of Heat Stroke, call 911 immediately. DO NOT give or drink fluids, but rather move to a cool place, and use cold compresses to reduce body temperature.
Prevention of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
What can you do to prevent either? In addition to drinking an adequate amount of water on a daily basis:
- Supplement hydration with sports drinks that are rich in electrolytes or add an electrolyte powder to a bottle of regular or flavored water
- Supplement hydration by eating hydrating fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, watermelon, grapefruit, broccoli, spinach, celery, carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, and green peppers
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid long durations outside, taking frequent 15-30 minute breaks into cooler, shaded spaces
How Dehydrated Are You on a Day-To-Day Basis?
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Infrequent urination/dark urine
- Dry skin or lack of elasticity
- Constipation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Frequent muscle cramps
- Joint and muscle pain
- Bad breath
- Cravings for sweets
- Thirst
- Dry mouth