Are you one of the 75 percent of American who suffer from chronic dehydration? If you’re not getting 10 cups of water a day, your body will be the first to let you know.

After all, our bodies are composed of 60 percent water. Without it, our brains, muscles, digestive system—our entire body won’t function properly.

Here are three key signs you’re experiencing dehydration.

With this list, you can recognize the signs as soon as possible and jug the nearest bottle of water. Otherwise, you might notice these symptoms get a lot worse.

1. You Don’t Feel Well

According to the American Heart Association, dehydration is a loss of just one or two percent of your body weight can cause us to feel ill. Here are a few of the physical symptoms you’ll experience that indicate you are dehydrated.

Nausea

If you’re feeling dizzy or nauseous, sit down and grab a bottle of water. These symptoms often lead to vomiting, which can actually cause you to lose even more water.

As a result, your dehydration and the symptoms you’re experiencing will worsen. Nausea can also indicate your dehydration is causing low blood pressure. 

Headache

Even if you’re just mildly dehydrated (remember that one to two percent), your body might respond with a headache. 

Like nausea, headaches can also indicate you’re experiencing low blood pressure due to low hydration levels. For both of these symptoms, drink water and take even breaths. This will help raise your blood pressure and relieve both symptoms.

Tired

Our bodies need water to function properly. If you’re feeling dizzy or lightheaded due to dehydration, you might begin feeling sluggish and tired as well. 

The low blood pressure associated with dehydration can also impact your energy levels. 

If you’re about to go for a jog or start a rigorous workout, take a bottle of water with you. That way, you can remain hydrated and keep your energy levels up. 

Fainting

We’ve mentioned lightheadedness and dizzy spells. There’s a reason people suggest you sit down if you’re experiencing these symptoms. 

If you’re feeling dizzy, sit to avoid hitting your head and causing additional damage. 

Fainting occurs when dehydration lowers your blood pressure. This condition can also lower your blood volume, which could also cause you to faint.

Remember to take it easy if you’re experiencing these symptoms. 

Instead of rushing onto your feet, take your time. You don’t want to put yourself in more pain. Instead, ask yourself “am I dehydrated?”

Then, focus on providing your body the water it needs to function at its best again. 

Heart Pounding

Are you experiencing speedy breathing and a fast heartbeat? If your heart is pounding, you might be experiencing severe dehydration. 

Remember, water loss causes our blood volume to drop. This makes it more difficult for the heart to move blood throughout the body.

If your heart is pounding, sit down and drink slowly. The water can help raise your blood volume. Then, your heart rate should return to normal. 

If it doesn’t and your irregular heartbeat persists, speak to a doctor about this and any other symptoms you’re experiencing.

2. Your Body Changes

In addition to not feeling well, our body will also react and behave differently to indicate dehydration. Here’s how to know if you’re dehydrated based on how your body reacts to the lack of water.

Urine

If you’re wondering if you’re dehydrated, one way to tell is by taking a look at your urine. If your hydration levels are healthy, your urine will appear the color of a yellow sticky note.

However, if you’re dehydrated, your urine will appear somewhere between dark yellow and amber. You also might urinate less if you’re dehydrated. Very light to white-colored urine indicates you’re over-hydrated (in case you were wondering!).

Breath

A breath mint isn’t going to fix your bad breath this time. Your mouth and tongue will feel dry while you’re dehydrated. After all, our bodies need water to produce saliva.

Less saliva can actually encourage more bacteria to grow in your mouth. These bacteria can cause that stinky breath.

Make sure to drink plenty of water and brush your teeth regularly. This can keep your bad breath at bay (as well as the rest of these symptoms).

Skin

Your skin will also demonstrate signs of change while you’re dehydrated. You might notice your skin is less plump (tightening or shrinking). It might even feel cold and clammy.

Cracked skin or lips, flushed or red skin, and rough or flaking skin also indicate you’re dehydrated.

This occurs when we sweat and lose water through our skin. However, cooler weather and dry air can cause us to lose moisture through our skin as well. 

Constipation

Difficult or fewer bowel movements can indicate you’re dehydrated, too. This occurs because your body needs water to digest foods.

In fact, dehydration can cause us to feel hungrier (and of course, thirstier) than normal as well. 

3. Your Mental Function Changes

The human body is 70 percent water. Without that beloved H20, our brain function will deteriorate. This includes memory, concentration, and alertness issues. 

Dehydration can cause our brain to react to signals such as pain differently, too. 

You’re in Pain

According to this research, our brains are more sensitive to pain when we’re dehydrated. If you’re experiencing unexplained pain, grab a bottle of water and drink slowly.

Remember, your body will tell you when something’s wrong.

Whether it’s your toes, head, or somewhere in between, unexplained pain can indicate you need to see a doctor.

For additional help, find out more about regenerative medicine and how it can benefit your entire body when you’re experiencing this pain.

Get Watered Down: 3 Key Signs You’re Experiencing Dehydration

Now that you have this guide, you can recognize the signs you’re experiencing dehydration and grab a bottle of water—STAT!

Listen to your body. Don’t ignore these symptoms. If your dehydration symptoms worsen after you drink water, see a doctor.

For more health articles and helpful guides, make sure to explore our blog!