Is it true that a headache is one of the first signs of dehydration?

Reduced consumption of water, tea and juices causes different symptoms in each individual, including headaches.

It is very difficult to link headaches to lack of water, but dehydration can be a sign that a crisis is starting, like a trigger. Carla DeLascio, obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in nutrition at the Center for Integrative Medicine at Hospital e Maternidade Pro Matre Paulista (SP)

Most of the time, people tend to associate headaches with other health conditions, such as stress, irregular sleep, and hypoglycemia.

“The first symptoms are thirst, as a physiological response to this process; decreased sweating; and concentrated urine, which is determined by a dark yellow or brown color. This condition may be followed by systemic symptoms – headache, dizziness, drowsiness – with continued slight dehydration.” Nephrologist Geddes.

Fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite, wrinkled skin on the forehead, decreased urine output (removal of less than 500 ml of urine in 24 hours), sunken eyes, and dry mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, and muscles are also possible. Cramps, rapid heartbeat, dry skin, soggy tongue and weight loss.

According to Fernanda Manero Banvicius, coordinator of the nutrition course at Anhangira College, the body does not have the ability to store water and the amount that is eliminated must be replaced every 24 hours to maintain a healthy balance. “Healthy adults can survive up to 10 days without fluids, children up to 5 days, while people can survive for several weeks without food,” he explains.