5 Signs You’re Chronically Dehydrated

Every single living organism on the planet needs water to survive. 

The human body needs water for every function it performs. If you don’t have enough hydrating fluids, you start to physically feel thirsty, a warning sign of dehydration. Not only does dehydration signal a lack of water, but also a dangerously low level of vital electrolytes which your organs need to function effectively. 

Acute dehydration can come on quickly due to illnesses, prolonged heat and sun exposure, and long periods of intense exercise. However, it’s also easily remedied by simply raising your intake of hydrating fluids and getting plenty of rest. 

In contrast, chronic dehydration is your body’s reaction to getting too little water for too long, meaning you might still be dehydrated even after taking in more fluids. 

Chronic dehydration might be a little more subtle than its acute counterpart, so our team, led by Dana Trippi, DO, at Atlas Health Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada, wants to review some telltale signs you’re chronically dehydrated. 

1. You have frequent headaches

While headaches can happen for a variety of reasons, a low level of fluids can cause an uptick in headache episodes. Headache pain can look a number of different ways depending on where the pain is located and what the culprit is; however, chronic headaches due to long-term dehydration tend to have a few telltale symptoms. 

Dehydration headaches usually only affect your head, lessen with increased water intake and rest, and accompany other dehydration symptoms such as intense thirst and dizziness. 

2. You experience intense cravings

When your body doesn’t have enough water, the functions of your organs start to suffer. For example, if your liver doesn’t get the hydrating fluids it needs, it can’t release glucose or any other substances you need for long-lasting energy. As a result, you start getting strong food cravings, typically for something salty or sweet. 

3. Your skin is dry, flaky, and flushed

Dehydrated skin isn’t the same as dry skin. When you have dry skin, it means your skin doesn’t produce enough oil to keep it moist, leaving it prone to cracks and bleeding. However, if your skin is dehydrated, it may feel rough, scaly, and itchy. It may even lose its supple bounce or have a dull appearance. 

4. You start having bad breath

Saliva production is a way to flush harmful bacteria out of your mouth. However, if you’re not well-hydrated, that production of saliva goes down and leaves your mouth dry. This provides the perfect opportunity for an overgrowth of bad bacteria, which can often lead to either a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath. 

5. You’re always tired

Your body needs water for just about everything, including transporting vital nutrients to where they need to go and removing waste. So, when your body has to start working extra hard to do those jobs due to a lack of fluids, you may notice that you often feel run down and fatigued.  

So, how do you fix chronic dehydration?

To prevent dehydration in the first place, do your best to drink plenty of hydrating fluids every day. You also need to increase your intake if you’re out in the hot sun or exercising. If you notice signs of chronic dehydration and just can’t seem to drink enough water, you may benefit from our IV therapy services. We boost your levels of fluids and electrolytes intravenously, meaning your body will get them quickly and efficiently.

To get started with IV therapy for hydration, schedule an appointment by calling our office at 702-778-5900 or using our online booking feature today.