With these past few months being especially hot in many places across the country, we thought we would discuss the important and relevant issue of dehydration. If you aren’t hydrating, you may be feeling some signs of dehydration (especially this time of year).. Today we break down the symptoms of chronic dehydration and provide you with tips on how to prevent it. Read along to learn more.
What is Chronic Dehydration?
Most of us are familiar with acute dehydration that occurs when we don’t drink enough water on a particular day. This type of dehydration can be resolved by resting and drinking fluids.
Chronic dehydration is a condition when dehydration recurs for longer periods, sometimes regardless of how much fluid you take in on a particular day. This is more severe than acute dehydration because it becomes an ongoing problem and may require medical attention. It can also lead to hypertension and kidney stones if left untreated.
What Causes Chronic Dehydration?
Your body needs water for every function it performs and water is an essential part of human health. When you don’t get enough water or when you lose more water than you replace, you will feel symptoms of dehydration. But being dehydrated doesn’t just mean you are losing too much water, it also means you are losing essential electrolytes like potassium and sodium. Some people are more susceptible to becoming dehydrated. The following groups may be more at risk for chronic dehydration:
- Living in warmer climates
- Working outdoors
- Having only sporadic access to water
- Frequent diarrhea
- Children who can’t express their thirst
- Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
- Athletes
Signs of Chronic Dehydration
Sometimes, your body may be dehydrated before you even start to feel signs and symptoms of dehydration. Once dehydration becomes severe, you may start to notice the following:
- Constipation
- Yellow Urine
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Irritability
- Brain Fog
- Headaches
- Unable to Concentrate
- Abnormal electrolyte levels
- Dry, flaky skin
- Altered kidney, heart, or digestive function
How can I prevent Chronic Dehydration?
Obviously drinking more water is a great first step in preventing chronic dehydration because water is an essential part of human health. However, our bodies are made up of much more than just water. An adequate balance of water and electrolytes is crucial for many of our body’s most important functions. Electrolytes are minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) that are involved in an abundance of internal events, such as neurotransmission and maintaining a balanced pH in the blood. If you are experiencing chronic dehydration, electrolyte replacement is crucial to your recovery.
CF(Rehydrate)® is a natural electrolyte replacement drink designed for medical-grade hydration. Free from artificial colors, flavors, and sugars, CF(Rehydrate)® delivers the electrolytes and essential hydration you need, without the harmful additives found in sports drinks and other hydration products.
Additionally, CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ is a natural electrolyte drink with immune-supporting ingredients. When your body is under stress of any kind, medical-grade hydration with key vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining optimal health. CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ is formulated with functional nutrients that promote immunity and wellness when you need it most.
Other ways to manage your symptoms are:
- Tracking your daily water intake by using a journal or an app
- Decreasing alcohol consumption
- Watching your stress levels
- Cutting back on diuretic medication therapy
- Cutting back on caffeine if it’s causing you to lose fluid
*It is important to contact your doctor if you think you may be experiencing chronic dehydration. Now that you know about chronic dehydration, shop CF Nutrition products today to stay on top of your hydration needs.