3 Unusual Signs of Dehydration and How to Stay Hydrated

Have you ever been at a social event and your best friend or spouse had something stuck in their teeth? It’s suuuuuuperrrr noticeable, but you don’t want to embarrass them by pointing it out in front of everyone. So, you try and discretely let them know by giving them a little nudge or making eye contact and pointing at their teeth… But they’re just not taking the hint.

The same thing happens with your body when you’re dehydrated. We all need water to survive, but most of us aren’t getting enough of it. Our bodies are trying to tell us – but we’re not taking the hint.  If you’re wondering if you could be dehydrated, here are three unusual ways your body may be trying to let you know:

1. Your Breath

We all have bad breath from time to time (hello mornings!). You may also notice bad breath other times, like after you eat a tuna sandwich or if you’re having sinus problems.

But another major cause of bad breath is reduced saliva.

Saliva has a powerful cleaning element to it that helps reduce bad breath. But, when you’re dehydrated, your body produces less saliva. And when you’re low on saliva, bacteria can grow, and bad breath can flourish.

2. Your Skin

If you walk down the beauty section of a store, you’ll see shelf after shelf lined with lotions. Their labels tout about how moisturizing and hydrating their creams are. It may lead you to wonder if there’s a difference between the two. The answer is yes.

So, how do you tell the difference between dry skin that needs moisturizing and dehydrated skin that needs water?

Well, dehydrated skin occurs when there’s a lack of water in your skin. When it comes to dry skin, however, water may not be the problem. Dry skin is a particular skin type (like oily or combination skin), so it takes on a flaky, sometimes rough look.

One quick way to tell the difference is the pinch test:

  1. Pinch a tiny bit of skin on your chest, cheek, or back of your hand. Hold it for a few seconds and release.
  2. If your skin snaps back to normal, you’re probably not dehydrated.
  3. If your skin stays “tented” up, or is slow to return to its normal position, you’re likely dehydrated.

You can try this out on different parts of your body if you like.

3. Your Sweet Tooth

Having an insatiable craving for something sugary? Before you reach for that ice cream scoop, try drinking a glass of water.

When your body is dehydrated, your organs – which use water – have a more difficult time releasing glycogen (stored glucose) into the bloodstream for fuel. That’s why dehydration may cause an increase in sugar cravings.

The Bottom Line Is to Drink Up!

If you struggle getting in enough water, we have you covered! Here are three simple ways to rehydrate in no time.

  • Drink even when you’re not thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, it could already be too late.
  • Take a breather on drinks that don’t hydrate. The major offenders are soda, coffee, and alcohol.
  • Add celtic sea salt to your water. Salt helps the body to better absorb water so that it stays optimally hydrated and for longer periods of time. (However, if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems, let’s talk first before you try this.)

Ever since we were children, we heard about how our bodies are 60% – 80% water. But as adults, it’s easy to forget how important H2O is for our health. The good news is – it’s never too late to start upping your water intake.

Try out one of the above tips and start replenishing your body today!

Patient Testimonials

Dr Don Sharnowski is a doctor who is above and beyond all other doctors! Probably his most outstanding quality is that he LISTENS to what his patients say. He is willing to explain things to his patients in terms they can understand. Dr Don treats his patients with wisdom, understanding, gentleness, care, encouragement and he is willing to "go the extra mile" to give his patients the proper treatment they need. He does not treat patients like they were on an assembly line or like he is rushing them out the door. Dr Don has fixed many of the problems I had at my first visit, one of which I had endured for 3 years. Dr Don was able to fix that problem in 2 weeks when others had not. Dr Don has also helped me loose 40 lbs so far. My total recovery is still an ongoing process, but should be a cinch with Dr Don's expert help! Thank you, Dr Don! You are an awesome answer to prayers!

Karen G.

Super Awesome Doctor in Overland Park, Kansas!! He really knows his stuff love his Holistic approach. Wish I lived closer so I could see him on the regular, at least we can chat on the regular! Very informative in all aspects of health! Five years ago this man took our health and turned it around 360 degrees. My son got ear infections very often. Both my boys have respiratory issues. My husband asthma and overweight. Myself aches and pains, specifically on my left side and joints. Well needless to say no more ear infections respiratory not nearly as often my husband is 80lbs less and never uses his inhaler . My sons ear infections...What ear infections...They are no longer! Thanks Dr. Don for all you do and have done!!

Lots of Love from The Stevens

Dr Don Sharnowski is truly an amazing Doctor. He listens to his patients and treats in a very complete way. He is very knowledgeable because he never stops learning. He is a great communicator and will help you learn better ways to be healthy if you will actually do what he teaches.

Cassie N.

Don (Dr Sharnowski) is truly one of a kind. He is warm, inviting and incredibly generous with his time, but also really knowledgeable about the body and everything within. You won't find crystal balls here. You'll find a super nice guy in sneakers who also sells farm fresh eggs at the counter. I went in expecting to get adjusted (and was scared, because I'd never seen a chiro before). Instead, what I experienced was someone who actually sat down and listened to my history, connected the dots between several ailments (instead of jumping to prescribe one drug apiece to treat each one), and explained things that no one had ever taken the time to do. I was there about my back specifically, but we talked about my whole health. Instead of just prescribing an anti inflammatory (which is what my other doc did), he explained why we get inflammation in our bodies, and how to help reduce it with what we eat. I've also been on thyroid medication for over 10 years, and he actually explained what the thyroid is, and what the drug I take is, and what it does. But not in a defensive or overly crunchy way. He just openly explained in a way that I could understand it. I highly recommend Don to anyone with a body who wants to feel better. His approach is approachably holistic. Just common sense, whole body-centered treatment.

Megh K.

Scroll to Top