What Your Pee Is Telling You

Feeling puffy.

This one confuses people because they imagine that when we are dehydrated, we would be more likely to shrivel – like fruit does when it’s dehydrated – than puff up. But when our body senses there isn’t enough fluid coming in, the brain tells the body to reabsorb rather than excrete its usual amount of water. It’s really a brilliant mechanism that’s in place, but let’s not let it get to that point.

Feeling dumb.

Inadequate fluids can easily affect our ability to concentrate. So next time you notice yourself struggling to retrieve a brain file, ask yourself how you are doing with fluids.

Feeling sluggish.

With most of our body processes requiring a fluid environment, our energy level can take a big hit when we are not adequately hydrated. Dehydration can also result in electrolyte losses (via urine, sweat, diarrhea, vomiting), and electrolytes are crucial for bodily reactions especially in muscles. If you are well-rested are still feeling lethargic, then it’s time to ask yourself if you are drinking (and eating) enough.

Dry skin.

Makes sense, right? Skin is the largest organ, and organs need water. Dry skin can be a sign that your skin is lacking water.

Headaches.

Dehydration affects blood volume and a lower blood volume means a lower amount of oxygen-rich blood getting to the brain. What happens next? Pain.

Hard poops.

Fluids help the digestive tract function smoothly and prevent constipation. When we aren’t drinking enough, our colon pulls fluid from our stool in an effort to keep any water it can onboard. The result is constipation. Other habits that affect your bowel movements include eating fiber (whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables) and regular exercise. If your fiber intake and exercise habits are looking good, but you find yourself with infrequent and/or hard poops, it’s time to take a look at your fluids.

Staying hydrated can be an easy way to optimize the way we feel – mentally and physically – each day. So be sure to look out for these red flags and continue to refill the water bottle you keep in your car and on your desk at work!