If you’re feeling sluggish most of the time, you might not be getting enough water every day.
According to a study conducted by Galaxy Research, only a third of Australians recognise the symptoms of dehydration beyond just feeling thirsty. This is despite the fact that 80 percent of those that participated in the research said they were suffering from symptoms typical of dehydration.
Furthermore, the same research showed that less than one in 10 Australians (6%) associate problems with concentration and mental impairment with dehydration, despite it being a common symptom for most (56%).
Neuroscientist and Australian medical writer Dr Sarah McKay said that “The findings support scientific studies that show even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, increase in complaints of headache, thirst, sleepiness and concentration difficulties.
Other symptoms of dehydration include:
· Dry mouth and swollen tongue
· Weakness
· Dizziness
· Palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)
· Confusion
· Sluggishness
· Fainting
· Inability to sweat
· Decreased urine output
Another study conducted by Tufts University revealed mild dehydration or a loss of one to two percent of body weight of water was enough to impair thinking.
Meanwhile, Dr. Trent Watson of the Dietician’s Association of Australia said that “”If you become dehydrated, you reduce your blood volume so your heart’s got to work harder to pump the same volume around,” This means the heart has to double its effort to push oxygen and nutrients through the bloodstream to the brain, skin and muscles. This adds to the feeling of tiredness one feels when they are dehydrated.
In order to fight chronic fatigue and tiredness caused by dehydration, it is important to drink enough water every day. A lot of people are under the impression that the universal recommended daily intake for water is two litres but the truth is it should all depend on a person’s age, diet, and levels of physical activity. Moreover, people should also consider the climate where they are. Persons in warmer and drier climates are advised to drink more water.
For people who find water a tad boring, they can always spruce up their beverage of choice by drinking tea, fresh juices, and even sparkling water. People can also stay hydrated by eating more fruits with a high water content.