Not just thirst: 3 unusual signs of dehydration, NHS doctor explains

Have you ever experienced dehydration? What is the first thing that crosses your mind when you hear the word dehydration? Relentless thirst, dry lips, or fatigue? While these are some of the most obvious signs, dehydration doesn’t always present itself so clearly. In many cases, it can manifest through subtle and unexpected symptoms that are easy to overlook. Dr Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon, has now shared three surprising signs that most people don’t associate with dehydration. What are these signs? Let’s take a look.

You read that right. Sometimes, when you crave a sweet treat, it’s more than just a lapse in willpower. It could be your body signalling something important. According to Dr Rajan, one of the most unexpected signs of dehydration is a sudden craving for something sweet. This “happens because you’re so dehydrated your liver struggles to break down glycogen into glucose, so there’s less glucose in your blood,” the doctor explained in a video shared on Facebook. The next time you find yourself reaching for sweets or a sugary drink without any obvious reason, pause and check whether you’ve been drinking enough water.

Another tell-tale sign of dehydration is persistently dry eyes. This is one of the most overlooked signs. Tears have a bigger role than emotional expression. Your body constantly produces tears to lubricate and clean your eyes, a process that keeps them healthy and functioning optimally. They also help maintain your eye’s moisture barrier and wash away irritants and bacteria. However, when you are dehydrated, tear production decreases significantly. “Your body produces tears for more than just crying. Tears are also for lubricating and cleaning your eyes. So dehydration means dry eyes that are easily irritable,” the doctor explained.

Perhaps the most unexpected sign of dehydration is bad breath. Yes, that’s right—dehydration can cause bad breath. If you are dehydrated, your body produces much less saliva. Saliva has a protective role in your mouth: it inhibits the growth of bacteria and helps maintain oral hygiene. When you are dehydrated, adequate saliva is not produced and, as a result, bacteria flourish in your mouth. This leads to unpleasant breath. “Dehydration means less saliva, more bacteria, and more funky breath,” he said.

Dehydration is more serious than you might assume. When your body loses more fluids than it takes in, it can lead to various health concerns. It may cause mild discomfort, such as fatigue, headaches, and dry mouth, or, in more serious cases, life-threatening complications such as severe electrolyte imbalances, organ failure, and shock. So, you must drink adequate fluids to keep your body hydrated. Also, look beyond the usual signs of dehydration, as your body can send signals in unexpected ways. Remember: when in doubt, drink water.