Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

Now that Spring is in full swing it is very easy to get dehydrated, especially in hotter parts of the country and when it is humid outside. Remember, you can be dehydrated even before you feel thirsty.

In people over age 50, the body’s thirst sensation diminishes and continues diminishing with age. Many senior citizens suffer symptoms of dehydration but do not know they are dehyrdrated.

Patients often report softer skin that is moister with less visible wrinkles. Ozonated cosmetics are also good for use on healing wounds and scars and can even benefit chronic skin conditions, such as dryness, flaking and allergies.

Dehydration symptoms generally become noticeable after 2% of one’s normal water volume has been lost. These include:

• Thirst and dry mouth
• Headache
• Decreased urine volume
• Abnormally dark urine
• Unexplained tiredness
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Athletes who are dehydrated may suffer a loss of performance of up to 30% and experience
  flushing, low endurance, rapid heart rates, elevated body temperatures, and rapid onset of fatigue.

Simple Ways to Avoid or Remedy Dehydration

1. Make sure to drink plenty of clean, fresh water. Eight, 8oz glasses a day is great.
2. Supplement your water with electrolytes to replenish salt, potassium and trace mineral. You can take salt and potassium supplements or add an electrolyte powder to your drink. These are available in health food stores and are much better alternatives to sports drinks, which contain artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables or drink fruit juices. These contain potassium, electrolytes and water. Remember to watch juice intake if you are diabetic or have difficulty controlling blood sugar.
4. Exercise and go outside in the early morning or evening when it isn’t so hot.
5. Get an IV therapy at the Institute for Progressive Medicine.

Allan Sosin, MD