Ask the Expert: How Do You Know If You Are Dehydrated?

You’re dehydrated when your body needs more fluids than you’ve taken in. And since it needs water to perform normal heart, kidney, muscle and brain functions, if you’re not drinking enough, you’ll get dehydrated.

So, how can you tell?

Dehydration Symptoms

Dr. Joshua Thurman: “In general, the sense of thirst is a good guide to whether you need water. Clear urine also indicates that your kidneys are excreting water and the urine is diluted.”  

You’re often already dehydrated by the time you feel thirsty, but in many cases, drinking more water can fix the problem.

Watch out for dehydration symptoms that are more obvious.

“When dehydration becomes severe, you may become lightheaded, particularly when you stand up. Your heart rate may also increase”, says Dr. Thurman.

As you know, dizziness can lead to danger, so do what you can to stay healthy by making sure you’re never far away from your water bottle. And if you have one that tracks every sip, like the HidrateSpark PRO bluetooth water bottle, you’ll never have to worry. 

About our Expert

Dr. Joshua Thurman, MD is a board-certified nephrologist and Professor of Medicine specializing in renal medical diseases and hypertension at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and his undergraduate degree from Harvard University. He has been in practice for more than 22 years.