Understanding Dehydration: How To Prevent It
- Red Oak Drug and the Prescription Shop
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 6
As summer temperatures rise, so does the risk of dehydration. Lack of hydration is particularly hazardous for children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, which can lead to significant effects on the body’s organ systems.
As your trusted local pharmacy, our goal is to keep you and your family happy and healthy in this heat. Luckily, we have information with tips and tricks to help combat dehydration and keep these good vibes all summer long.
Short-term effects of dehydration
In heat or during exercise, dehydration can happen very quickly. The CDC states even mild dehydration, about a 1-2% loss in body weight from fluids, can lead to the following symptoms:
Thirst
Dry mouth and tongue
Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness
Decreased urine or dark-colored urine
Even short-term dehydration can affect physical performance and brain function. The National Institutes of Health states that even mild dehydration can affect mood, memory, and brain function¹.
Long-term effects of chronic dehydration
Short-term dehydration is typically quickly corrected and noticed, but long-term dehydration can lead to much more serious health problems. Some of these complications may include:
Kidney stones and kidney damage
Urinary tract infections
Digestive issues
Poor skin health
Joint and muscle pain
Medicine that can cause dehydration
Diuretics (“water pills”)
Medications include: hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and spironolactone
Diuretics remove excess water through urine to work to lower blood pressure and fluid build-up²
These medications can leave you feeling extra thirsty
Anticholinergic Medications
Typically used for asthma, overactive bladder, and IBS
Can mess with hydration balance: less saliva, lower sweat production, difficulty urinating²
SGLT2 Inhibitors
Used to help treat Type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease
SGLT2 Inhibitors lower blood sugar levels by making glucose leave your body through your urine²
Laxatives
Examples include Dulcolax, Miralax, Milk of Magnesia, etc.
Because of the way laxatives use your body’s fluids, they may contribute to dehydration
Regardless of whether you are taking these medications or not, it is important to stay hydrated. Dehydration is not always avoidable, however. The best way to manage dehydration from your medication depends on the medication you take and the reason you are taking it. For instance, some medications are designed to remove excess water from your body. If you drink extra water, it may prevent you from seeing the benefits of your medication (Williams, 2023).
Hydrating Drinks
Staying hydrated is key to avoiding these symptoms. While thinking of hydration, we typically think of water; however, there are other options to keep our bodies hydrated and electrolytes replenished. Whether you don't care for the taste of plain water or want to change your drinking options, here are some alternatives and additions.³
Coconut Water: a great natural electrolyte drink with lower sugar and high potassium.
Herbal Iced Teas: some great teas for hydration are hibiscus or rooibos tea.
Infused Water: add slices of cucumber, lemon, berries, or even mint to your water to add subtle flavor and beneficial nutrients.
Electrolyte Beverages: drinks with electrolytes can help restore fluids and electrolytes in our bodies.
Milk: low-fat milk has carbohydrates, proteins, and electrolytes, which help aid hydration.
Over-the-counter Hydration Products:
If the water alternatives are not catching your eye, there are also options to add to water to help keep your body hydrated. Drinking water is important, but replenishing your electrolytes is equally important. Sweating and working out regularly can diminish electrolytes and our body’s hydration. According to registered dietician, Kristy Baumann, “The main types of electrolytes that we lose through sweat are sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium”.
To help replenish these electrolytes, some examples of over-the-counter hydration include DripDrop Hydration Electrolyte Powder, Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets, Liquid I.V, Biolyte, and more. Talk to our pharmacy team about your options!
We want you to have a fun, healthy, and safe summer. Keep your body hydrated by incorporating some over-the-counter electrolytes or trying a new coconut water drink. This will help keep your energy high and good vibes even higher. Whether you find yourself this summer by the pool, on a hike, or enjoying the sun, remember to keep that water bottle close!
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