Most people think dehydration only happens when you forget to drink water but it’s much more complex than that. Hydration isn’t just about how much you drink. it’s about how well your body can retain and use that water. Everyday habits, lifestyle choices, and even stress can quietly drain your hydration levels without you realizing it.
Your body requires multiple electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium to help absorb and balance fluids. When you sweat, work out, or even sit in heat for long periods, you lose these minerals. Without replenishing them, that water you drink can pass right through you. Having caffeine rich coffee, tea, alcohol can act as diuretics and increase urination frequency and cause dehydration. Additionally high protein diets without carbs produce a lot of urea which requires more water to eliminate it through water. Low-carb diets can also cause fluid loss because glycogen (your body’s stored carbohydrate) holds water in your muscles. Lastly just sweating too much on a hot summer day without drinking water, over time this can lead to fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.
Medications can also dehydrate a person so if you are taking medications or supplements please remember to have adequate hydration.
PS. You do not have to drink water to get water, try having foods that are water rich in your meals like cucumbers and leafy vegetables. Melons are also packed with water and are delicious.