7 Reasons For Dehydration
Why Am I Dehydrated? The 7 Reasons You're Feeling Like a Dried-Out Houseplant
Ever feel like you’re running on 2% battery and your body’s screaming for a recharge? You might just be dehydrated. And before you roll your eye, yes, it’s more common than you think. Dehydration doesn’t just hit athletes or desert wanderers. It can sneak up on anyone, and most of us don’t realize we’re already in the danger zone until we feel like total garbage.
Let’s break down what dehydration is, how it messes with your body, and the top seven reasons you might be feeling run down.
What Is Dehydration?
Dehydration = your body losing more fluid than it’s taking in. It’s not just about being thirsty; it throws your body out of whack. Water makes up about 80% of your body, and it keeps the whole system running: digestion, temperature control, circulation, mood, the works.
Lose enough fluids (and the electrolytes that go with them), and suddenly things go sideways. Symptoms can range from dry mouth and tiredness to headaches, dizziness, and barely peeing. And if you ignore it long enough? We’re talking confusion, rapid heartbeat, and even passing out. Not cute. So let’s keep the drama low and the hydration up.
7 Reasons You’re Dehydrated
1. You’re Just Not Drinking Enough Water
Yep. It’s that simple. Life gets busy and sometimes we forget (myself included) to drink water. Thirst is a late-stage symptom. If you’re already thirsty, you’re already low. So instead of playing catch-up, drink consistently throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty yet.
2. You’re Sweating Your Face Off
Whether it’s from workouts, hot weather, or just living in Texas, sweat causes fluid loss. And when you sweat, you’re also losing electrolytes (aka the salty stuff your body needs to function). If you’re dripping through your shirt, water alone might not cut it, you also need to replenish those minerals. Think hydration with a side of salt, not just plain water.
3. You’re Sick
Vomiting, diarrhea, fevers—oh joy! Illness can suck fluids out of your system faster than you can say, “Where’s the thermometer?” If you’re down with something, your hydration needs to skyrocket. Broth and lots of water are your best friends here. Grandma’s chicken soup might be magic after all.
4. Medications
Some meds are sneaky dehydrators. Diuretics (for blood pressure), laxatives, some antipsychotics, and even certain cancer treatments can leave you drained—literally. If you’re on anything that makes you pee more, sweat more, or run to the bathroom, it’s worth asking your doc and being extra mindful of your fluid intake.
5. Alcohol & Caffeine
If you enjoy your morning coffee and your evening cocktail, that’s great. But both are diuretics, meaning they make you lose fluids. A couple here and there? No biggie. But if you’re downing four cups of coffee or partying hard on the weekend without balancing it out with water, dehydration’s coming for you. Pro tip: chase your caffeine or cocktails with water, not just good vibes.
6. Climate & Altitude
Hot and humid? You’ll sweat more. Cold and high-altitude? You lose water just by breathing. Either way, your environment matters. Whether you’re hiking mountains, living in the south, or freezing your butt off somewhere dry, your hydration needs shift. Don’t wait for your lips to crack or your skin to look like a snake, stay ahead of it.
7. Your Diet May Not Be Helping
Fasting, low-carb, high-processed-food, you name it, they can all throw your hydration off. Also, add salt to your diet, I promise it’s not as bad as everyone says it is. Salt helps you retain water so your body can actually use it properly versus just draining it out.
How to Avoid Becoming a Dehydrated Gremlin
Let’s make this easy:
Drink water consistently. Not all at once like you’re cramming for a pee test.
Don’t drink just water—replace lost electrolytes too (especially after sweating or sickness).
Track your intake with a favorite water bottle. Make it a game if you need to.
Eat hydrating foods—cucumbers, oranges, watermelon… yes, snacks count.
Dial back the alcohol and caffeine, or at least chase them with water or drink a glass of water between each drink.
Stay cool. Literally. Shade, hats, AC, all that jazz.
Bottom Line: Hydration = Functioning Human
Listen, your body’s basically an overly dramatic house plant. It needs water to thrive. And it’s not just about drinking more, it’s about staying on top of fluids and electrolytes, especially when life throws sweat, stress, or sickness at you.
So don’t wait until you feel like a raisin. Grab that water bottle, load up on the juicy fruits and salty snacks (balanced, of course), and stop letting dehydration sneak up on you. You’ve got stuff to do, and you’ll do it better when you’re not running on fumes.