7 Textbook Signs You Could Be Dehydrated

Your bodily fluids, like blood, pee, and sweat, have important functions, and a lack of water makes them less effective. Blood, for example, contains water and carries oxygen to cells around the body. Without enough water, it may not be able to deliver as much oxygen to your cells — and that affects organs all around the body, including the brain.

In other words, being dehydrated goes beyond just feeling thirsty or parched: Your whole body can feel the consequences. Don’t wait until your pee is darker to take action if you suspect you could be dehydrated: Be proactive and stay hydrated consistently. Learn how much water you should actually be drinking each day.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

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