Here are some ways your body reacts when you're dehydrated

It is recommended that the average adult drinks at least 11 cups of water a day. This is just the ideal number; you can drink less unless your body is losing more fluid than you’re taking in. When that occurs, you’re probably dehydrated. And because water is needed to lubricate the joints and eyes, aid digestion and flush out waste and toxins, a deficit could be dangerous, according to NHS Inform. Here are four ways your body reacts to dehydration:

Fatigue, confusion or anger

Even the slightest hint of dehydration should be taken seriously as research shows that as little as 1% dehydration can have an adverse effect on your mood and cognitive function. According to Today.com, the impact on memory and motor coordination is more common in the young and elderly.

Dry eyes

Any part of your body that is naturally moist becomes dry or irritated when your body fluid drops. This can lead to dry eyes or blurred vision, according to Dr. Laura Goldberg, paediatric sports medicine specialist.

When you’ve been exercising for a long time, you’re sweating and your overall body fluid goes down — this can result in dry eyes or blurred vision. Monitor your hydration levels and make sure you’re drinking throughout any form of exercise.

Cramped muscles

Muscle cramping during exercise could be a serious sign of dehydration. President and chief executive officer of Youth Sports of the Americas, Michael F. Bergeron, Ph.D. explained that this might be due to water and salt in your body, resulting in tightness in your muscles, instead of cramping.

Wandering and progressively widespread muscle cramping is a certain clue of a sodium deficit and dehydration in the fluid spaces surrounding certain muscles. But don’t confuse it with an overworked muscle which would just affect a small area.

Inability to sweat

According to Today.com, not sweating is a sign of severe dehydration as it means your body needs water. Overheating and heatstroke could also be the cause, Bergeron added. Whatever the cause might be, you should drink water to keep your body’s temperature down.

Sources used:

NHS Inform: Dehydration

Science Alert: Here's What Happens to Your Body When You're Dehydrated

Today.com: Are you dehydrated? Look for these 9 signs

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