By Connie Colbert
Director, Canyon Health and Wellness Clinic
With the higher temperatures hitting us, it is important to hydrate. Here a few signs of dehydration that you may not be familiar with:
- Bad breath. Dehydration can prevent your body from making enough saliva, leading to bacterial overgrowth that often results in breath smelling less than fresh.
- Dry or flushed skin. Skin goes through various stages during dehydration. It may appear very dry or flushed. Eventually, skin may remain "tented" after being pinched.
- Muscle cramps. Heat illness can lead to muscle cramps, especially when combined with nonstop movement or being overheated.
- Chills. Body temperature will rise when dehydrated, leading to sweating, skin that is cool to the touch, and chills.
- Food cravings. When you’re dehydrated, it can be difficult for organs such as the liver to release glycogen. This may lead to cravings of salty or sweet snacks your body uses for fuel.
- Even mild dehydration can cause headaches.
So how much should I drink? Follow this link for a calculator:
