You Are Probably Dehydrated

So many of us struggle to drink enough water, it’s easy to forget and not exactly the most exciting beverage on offer…but considering approximately 60% of our bodies are made up of water, it’s really important to stay on top of your hydration levels. 

Did you know dehydration gives you….

Headaches:

This is one of the less surprising side effects of dehydration but we wanted to get down to the whys and hows here. Dehydration can cause headaches due to several interconnected physiological factors:

• Reduced Blood Volume: When you don't drink enough water, your body experiences a decrease in blood volume. As a result, your blood becomes more concentrated and thicker. The reduced blood flow to the brain deprives it of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function optimally. This lack of proper circulation can trigger headaches.
• Brain Shrinkage: Dehydration leads to the loss of water from brain cells, causing them to shrink. This shrinkage causes the brain to pull away from the skull, leading to pain-sensitive structures, such as the meninges (the protective layers surrounding the brain), being stretched and irritated. This irritation can manifest as a headache.
• Triggers for Pain Receptors: Dehydration can stimulate the release of certain neurotransmitters and signalling molecules in the brain that are associated with pain. These substances can activate pain receptors, leading to headache sensations.
• Vasodilation: When dehydrated, the body attempts to conserve water by constricting blood vessels, including those in the brain. However, as the brain detects the lack of proper hydration, it may respond by dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow. These changes in blood vessel size can also contribute to headache development.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Dehydration can disrupt the balance of essential electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium) in the body. Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining proper nerve function and muscle contraction. Their imbalance can affect nerve signalling and trigger headaches.
• Increased Sensitivity: Dehydration can heighten your sensitivity to pain, making you more susceptible to headaches even from mild triggers that might not usually cause them.

 

Bad Breath:

When your body lacks sufficient water, it affects your saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in oral hygiene as it helps wash away food particles and bacteria that accumulate in your mouth.

Without enough saliva, these particles and bacteria linger longer, creating the ideal environment for their growth and multiplication. As these microorganisms break down food particles, they release foul-smelling sulphur compounds, contributing to bad breath. 

Dry Mouth:

Moreover, dehydration can lead to a dry mouth, which further exacerbates the issue, as saliva is essential in neutralising acidic and odour-causing compounds.

Diarrhoea:

Dehydration can trigger or worsen diarrhoea due to its impact on the digestive system. When the body is dehydrated, it tries to conserve water by extracting more fluid from the food and waste passing through the intestines. As a result, the stool becomes more concentrated and less bulky, leading to harder and drier faeces. 

The body responds to this by trying to push the stool through the intestines faster, which can result in diarrhoea. Furthermore, dehydration can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body, particularly sodium and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining proper muscle function, including the muscles that control bowel movements. This electrolyte imbalance can lead to spasms and increased motility in the intestines, further contributing to diarrhoea.

Dehydration also makes you…

Sweat More

Dehydration triggers a paradoxical response in the body, making you sweat more despite lacking proper hydration. When you're dehydrated, your blood volume decreases, causing your body to retain heat more effectively. In an attempt to cool down and regulate body temperature, the brain signals the sweat glands to produce more sweat. Sweating is the body's natural cooling mechanism, and by increasing sweat production, it aims to dissipate heat through evaporation from the skin's surface. However, as sweat is primarily composed of water, the increased perspiration only exacerbates dehydration, creating a vicious cycle. 

Moody

Dehydration can significantly impact your mood and consequently the moods of those around you… When your body lacks adequate water, it can disrupt the balance of essential minerals and electrolytes, which play a crucial role in regulating nerve function and neurotransmitter activity in the brain. These imbalances can affect serotonin and dopamine levels, both of which are associated with mood regulation and feelings of well-being. Additionally, dehydration can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, causing it to work harder to perform even simple cognitive tasks, leading to irritability and decreased focus.

When dehydrated, the body may also release stress hormones like cortisol in response to the physiological stress it is experiencing, further contributing to mood swings and increased sensitivity to stressors. To maintain a stable and positive mood, it's vital to stay well-hydrated throughout the day, as even mild dehydration can have a noticeable impact on your emotional state.

As you can see, dehydration causes some pretty unpleasant side effects. 

HIRO Hydration works by delivering essential electrolytes and minerals, such as zinc, potassium and magnesium straight to where your body needs them most.

Whether you’ve just done a sweaty workout, had too much to drink the night before, or you just want to stay on your hydration A-Game, our Hydration tablets are the perfect way to stay on top of your hydration levels. And in three delicious flavours, they make your water taste pretty damn delicious. 

Don't let yourself get dehydrated. Have a HIRO for fuxsake. x

Here are some common questions we get asked about Hydration:

What are hydration tablets?

Hydration tablets, also known as electrolyte tablets, are typically designed to help maintain or replenish electrolyte levels in the body. The tablets can dissolve in water and usually contain key electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium along with other minerals. They can be useful in preventing or treating mild to moderate dehydration, especially due to exercise, illness, or heat exposure.

Are hydration tablets good for you?

Hydration tablets are advantageous primarily because they efficiently replenish lost electrolytes during intense physical exertion, illness, or exposure to heat. They help maintain the body's fluid balance, crucial for muscle contractions, heart function, brain activity, and overall energy. Restoring these vital nutrients swiftly aids in preventing dehydration-related issues such as fatigue, muscle cramps, or cognitive impairment. They offer a targeted solution for specific hydration needs that water and regular diets might not fulfil as rapidly or as precisely. 

Can hydration tablets help with a hangover?

Yes, hydration tablets can help with hangover symptoms. A hangover is often caused by the dehydrating effects of alcohol, which can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and thirst. Hydration tablets help replace lost fluids and electrolytes more efficiently than water alone, which can potentially alleviate some hangover symptoms. However, they should not be seen as a magic cure for hangovers, and the best way to avoid a hangover is to moderate your alcohol consumption. 

What are some benefits of hydration?

1. **Maintaining bodily functions**: Water is essential to almost every bodily function. It helps regulate body temperature, lubricates joints, and is necessary for digestion and absorption of nutrients.

2. **Promoting cardiovascular health**: Dehydration can affect your heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, which can impact physical performance and overall health. Staying hydrated helps maintain your blood volume and allows your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently.

3. **Boosting brain function**: Even mild dehydration can affect concentration, mood, and cognitive function. Keeping properly hydrated can therefore support overall brain health and cognitive performance.