As temperatures climb so do the number of dehydration cases that could arguably be prevented. "De-hydration" is fairly self-explanatory - it's the state of being without or having insufficient hydration (fluids) for your body to maintain its healthy state. Sure, desert climates and outdoor activities in such regions are the obvious backdrops for dehydration, but it can happen to anyone almost anywhere if they're not careful. And that's a big deal. It's not just about being thirsty or uncomfortable. The implications are pretty substantial and left unaddressed, dehydration can be fatal. Fortunately, from hikers to athletes, travelers and everyone between, the signs and symptoms show up much sooner than that. Common signs and symptoms of dehydration may include:
Dark yellow urine
Dizziness and headaches
Drowsiness and fuzzy thoughts
Nausea
Fevers
Cramps
Fainting or feeling extremely lethargic
Dry mouth
Racing heartbeat
Causes of Dehydration The obvious cause of some dehydration is just that you may not have had enough water to drink. Perhaps you were too busy, maybe you left your bottle at the trailhead, maybe you were consuming caffeinated, sugary or salty drinks with little nutritional value. The list goes on and on. Another factor is that you may just be losing more fluids than you're putting in. This can be the sneakier of the two. If you're sweating profusely during physical activity, have been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, you may be losing significant amounts of fluid without really noticing it. 10 Ways To Fight Dehydration
Drink before you're thirsty.
Know where there are fallback sources of fresh drinking water.
Use shade and coverage to your favor.
Limit your alcohol consumption.
Work fruits and vegetables into your diet. They're often higher in water content than other options.