When most people think about dehydration, they likely picture a hot summer day, where you’re sweating and thirsty. However, dehydration isn’t limited to the warmer months. In fact, winter dehydration can be just as dangerous and might even lead to unexpected symptoms like dizziness. In this blog, we’ll explain how dehydration during the colder months happens, why it can cause dizziness, and tips to prevent it.
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Why Does Dehydration Cause Dizziness?
Although winter dehydration is mostly caused by dry air instead of heat, it still has congruent effects with one another. One of these effects is dizziness and this happens because it lowers the blood volume and hence the blood pressure. This reduced pressure means that it will be hard for blood to fight against gravity to reach places like the brain. The brain requires oxygenated blood, which is transported to the brain. Dizziness and vertigo are caused by a brain that isn't getting enough oxygen. The afflicted individual may even faint in extreme circumstances.
More Symptoms of Dehydration
1. Headaches: The reduced blood flow and lack of oxygenated blood entering the brain start messing with the normal functioning of the brain and this can cause intense headaches and migraines.
2. Fatigue or Lethargicness: It’s been reiterated several times but the body needs lots of fluid to be in tip-top shape and when it lacks this required amount, it starts finding difficulty functioning. The reduced blood pressure ensures that the blood doesn't flow as much and as quickly to the extremities of the body, making those limbs very weak. The body then has to strain itself to work leading to lots of fatigue.
3. Dark Coloration of Urine: Urine coloration is also heavily influenced by the amount of fluid present in a person's body and it has been discovered that well-hydrated people often have clear or light yellowish urine while people suffering from dehydration have darker-colored ones. This color is due to the increased salt and sugar and the decrease in water being expelled from the body.
4. Irritability: A person suffering from dehydration will also seem easily irritable due to low blood pressure, fatigue, and constant headaches. This can severely affect their judgment and make them aggressive and irrational.
5. Spike In Blood Sugar and Drop In Blood Pressure: Dehydration causes a drop in blood pressure due to lesser amounts of blood. It also causes a spike in blood sugar due to the increased concentration of sugar in the body. These can easily affect the affected persons' mood and health. This is why it's quite easy to fall ill when you are dehydrated.
How To Prevent Winter Dehydration
- Limit caffeine intake during the winter, because caffeine makes you feel parched. People used to drinking heavy caffeine intake should remember to drink a lot of water afterward to compensate for the loss of electrolytes.
- Avoid exposing your body to the cold dry air. This will help regulate body heat and inhibit the amount of moisture taken from your skin via the cold air. But you’ll still need to drink water regularly to deal with the dry air that enters through your orifices.
- Avoid intake of cold water and drink a lot of fluids. These fluids don’t have to be water, they can be all sorts of herbal teas and drinks rich in honey and ginger. Also, remember to carry warm water with salt by your side.
- You also have to reduce alcohol intake during winter because high alcohol intake accelerates dehydration. Alcohol by its nature can lead to lightheadedness, and this combined with dehydration is a terrible combination.
- Stay away from any high-altitude activities whenever you are dehydrated, it will only contribute to the dizziness and make it worse.
If you experience persistent dizziness, confusion, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. Keep an eye on your symptoms and make sure you’re getting enough fluids. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical care for dehydration.
Get Walk-In Dehydration Relief at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ
Winter dehydration can indeed lead to dizziness, and the cold months make it more challenging to stay hydrated. By being mindful of your fluid intake, watching for signs of dehydration, and staying proactive in maintaining hydration, you can avoid dizziness and other symptoms that could impact your health. Remember, staying hydrated isn’t just a summer concern– your body needs water year-round! Feeling lightheaded or dizzy? Visit us at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove to get the care you need to feel better fast. We’re open seven days a week, just walk-in Most health insurance plans are accepted and we offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any further questions about the services we provide, contact us at (973) 239-2300.
