Top five dehydration symptoms.

Dehydration symptoms to look out for.

At this time of year, when it’s warm outside the issue of dehydration comes to the forefront of the mind. Staying hydrated is an important key to staying healthy and energized but a recent survey stats generated from a study of 1,400 UK residents showed that

• 75% of us are in a constant state of dehydration
• 15% of Brits are confused over daily guidelines
• Two in five people wake up in the night needing a drink
• 90% of Brits who drink less than 500ml feel less productive at work

While it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated, it’s especially important in the summer when the temperature starts rising. Water makes up over two-thirds of the healthy human body. It lubricates the joints and eyes, aids digestion, flushes out waste and toxins and keeps skin healthy.

Whether you’re spending your holiday travelling, doing outdoor activities like cycling or walking or just relaxing on the beach, here are some dehydration symptoms to keep an eye out for.

The initial signs and symptoms of mild dehydration appear when the body has lost about 2% of its total fluid.

To 5 Dehydration symptoms include:

1. Feeling thirsty
2. Headache
3. Poor concentration and reduced alertness
4. Increased tiredness and fatigue
5. Dark coloured urine – smaller volume and less frequent trips to the loo

When working out, hydration is very important so here are 5 additional tips for staying hydrated during exercise:

-Drink early: Drink 2 glasses of water (400 – 600 ml) 2 – 3 hours before you workout (or 5 – 7 ml per kg body weight). This is the amount recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine.

-When exercising, aim to consume around 400 – 800 ml per hour, or according to your thirst. You’ll sweat more in hot and humid condition and when working out harder/ faster.

-Beat your thirst: Feeling thirsty is your body’s way of telling you that you need to drink more.

-For light exercise such as walking, jogging or cycling lasting less than an hour, plain water will keep you hydrated.

Study commissioned by Vita Coco coconut water.