Dehydration happens when a person utilizes more water than they consume. Water is necessary for human existence since it makes up more than half of the body. Indeed, water is critical for maintaining natural bodily functions such as digestion, joint lubrication, and toxin elimination. 

Impacts Of Dehydration 

There are several initial effects of dehydration to be mindful of, but it’s also important to understand how dehydration impacts the human body over time. The initial effects of dehydration may go away after taking in enough fluids. So, many people overlook that it may arise anew if they aren’t careful. 

Disregarding the effects of dehydration may contribute to a slew of other health issues down the road. Some of these effects include: 

1. Back Pain 

Dehydration may result in back pain and muscle cramps. When you’re dehydrated, there’s an insufficient amount of fluid to lubricate the spine. Inadequate lubrication results in the compression of the spinal disks. 

This puts strain on the spinal nerves, resulting in lower back discomfort. Dehydrated disks may also swell, and if you engage in strenuous exercise, the chance of disc degeneration and herniation rises. 

However, discomfort is not isolated to the region near your spine. Dehydration-induced back pain may trigger inflammation in the neck, back, and legs. You may see this page to know more about back pain caused by dehydration. 

2. Dark Urine 

Dehydration may also change the colour of your urine. Normal urine looks pale yellow, similar to lemonade. If the colour of the urine appears deeper than apple juice, this may be a result of mild to extreme dehydration. 

If you notice your urine is dark in colour, take little sips of water right away. Taking small sips may help your body process the water efficiently. If you’re concerned about not consuming enough water, try carrying a container of water around during the day. 

3. Irregular Heart Rate 

It’s normal to experience an elevated heart rate and fast breathing during workouts. This is due to the lost electrolytes during exercise, which may impair the heart’s capacity to pump blood throughout the body. However, if elevated heart rate persists even after exercising, it may be an effect of extreme dehydration.  

Fluid consumption is essential for the proper functioning of organs such as the heart and lungs. So, it’s crucial to seek medical attention for dehydration if you develop an irregular heart rate.

4. Heat Stroke 

Exercising vigorously raises the body’s internal temperature, helping you lose fat and maintain fitness. However, as you burn calories and sweat excessively, your body also loses fluids at a faster rate. So, if you don’t drink enough water when working out, you’ll get dehydrated and won’t produce more sweat. This makes the body more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. 

5. Dry And Tented Skin 

Many individuals believe that dehydrated people are very sweaty. However, as a person goes through the phases of dehydration, the skin becomes very dry. 

“Tented” skin is also a significant effect of dehydration. Observe the result when you pinch the skin on the back of your palm. If it returns gradually, this may be a sign of mild dehydration. But if your skin appears to “tent” or stays together longer after being pinched, this could be a symptom of extreme dehydration. 

6. Confusion Or Dizziness 

The brain is made up of 73% water. That’s why consuming water could make the brain function more efficiently. On the other hand, dehydration may have negative consequences on the brain. If you feel dizzy, light-headed, or confused, you might be extremely dehydrated. 

Consider these effects seriously. Rehydrate well by taking water slowly and consuming water-rich food such as cucumbers and watermelons. These may aid the body in replenishing the nutrients and electrolytes it requires to function properly. If you are suffering from extreme dizziness and confusion due to dehydration, you should seek immediate medical attention. 

7. Fever And Chills 

Commonly, fever and chills are linked with flu or infection. However, that may not always be the case. These symptoms may also be caused by extreme dehydration. When a person is dehydrated, the body may not be able to keep a normal body temperature. 

To relieve fever caused by dehydration, you may consume more water and cool off with a cold compress. If the symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention at the closest hospital.  

8. Bad Breath 

Dehydration may cause the body to produce inadequate saliva. If your body doesn’t produce sufficient saliva, bacteria might build up in the mouth. This may result in bad breath. 

This is also why you experience bad breath in the morning. While you’re sleeping, saliva output decreases, resulting in undesirable bacteria development. Besides, you’re not able to drink water during your sleep. 

9. Reduced Blood Volume 

Water also aids the blood by thinning it sufficiently to allow it to continually flow through the veins. This process allows the heart to function properly as it places less pressure on it. But when you’re dehydrated, the blood begins to thicken. 

Thick blood may put more strain on the heart because it’s harder to pump. This might result in a substantial drop in blood pressure and a decrease in oxygen rates. This could be a life-threatening condition that must be treated quickly. 

10. Kidney Failure 

The kidneys are chiefly in charge of eliminating impurities from the body fluids and excreting them through urine. Water plays a critical role in this phase because the kidneys utilize water to successfully remove such impurities. 

Without enough supply of fluids throughout the bloodstream, the kidneys become inactive, retaining infectious contaminants that pass across the system. If left untreated, this will result in infection and eventually, kidney failure. 

Final Note 

Dehydration affects the majority of people at some stage, but it only has serious consequences when it’s left untreated. It’s important that everybody understands how dehydration impacts the human body so that they may recognize it, respond appropriately, and avoid health complications.

If you’re extremely dehydrated, it is important to bring fluids into your bloodstream as soon as possible. But you wouldn’t like to go overboard. Drinking excessive water may also cause hyponatremia, a disorder in which the body lacks sodium. To avoid severe complications, call your doctor right away.