Dehydration in summer: Beware of these 5 signs and symptoms

Dehydration occurs when there is an inadequate intake of fluids or an excessive loss of fluids from the body. If you are experiencing any of these signs of dehydration, it is important to drink more fluids to replenish your body's water supply. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical attention. Severe dehydration can be a medical emergency and may require intravenous fluids to rehydrate the body. The signs and symptoms of dehydration can vary depending on the severity of the dehydration, but some common signs include the following.

Feeling thirsty: Thirst is a natural response of the body to signal that it needs more water. When you are dehydrated, your body loses fluids, and the concentration of electrolytesin the blood increases. This causes the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, to release a hormone called vasopressin, which tells your kidneys to conserve water. At the same time, your mouth and throat may become dry, and you may feel an urge to drink water. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Feeling dizzy: Dehydration can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to feelings of dizziness or light-headedness. This can happen because when there is less water in yourbody, there is less fluid to help circulate blood to your brain and other organs. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Muscle cramps: Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to muscle cramps. Electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, help regulate muscle function. When you are dehydrated, the levels of these electrolytes can become imbalanced, leading to muscle cramps. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Is there blood in your stool? HeConstipation: When you are dehydrated, your body tries to conserve water by reabsorbing it from your colon, which can result in harder stools and constipation. Water is essential for the digestive process as it helps to keep the stools soft and easy to pass. Additionally, increasing your fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also help promote bowel movements and relieve constipation. Image courtesy: Shutterstock re's what you need to know.

Dark-coloured urine: When you are dehydrated, your urine can become concentrated, leading to a darker color and stronger smell. This is because your kidneys are trying to conservewater by producing less urine, which makes the urine more concentrated. Image courtesy: Shutterstock