5 Signs You're Chronically Dehydrated

While severe dehydration requiring immediate medical attention is uncommon among healthy adults, mild to moderate dehydration happens more often than you might think. For older adults, dehydration needing medical intervention is reported in up to 28% of cases.

Even if you’re not critically dehydrated, being under-hydrated can still impact your health. Simply sipping water throughout the day isn’t always enough—especially if your diet is lacking in water-rich fruits and vegetables.

Busy schedules, processed foods, and chugging water on the go can make proper hydration difficult. Large gulps of water often pass through your body too quickly to fully hydrate your cells.

At Rapid Response Urgent Care, Dr. Ayvazian and the team offer IV hydration therapy to help you replenish fluids and essential nutrients. By delivering hydration directly to your system, this therapy supports your body, from glowing skin to optimal organ function.

Not sure if you’re regularly dehydrated? Here are five common signs to watch for—and how IV therapy can help.

1. You’re Always a Little Thirsty

Thirst is one of the first signs of dehydration, especially if it’s accompanied by a dry mouth or tongue. If you’re constantly thirsty despite drinking water, it could be a sign that your body isn’t fully absorbing the fluids.

Instead of drinking large amounts at once, try sipping water throughout the day. This helps prevent your body from triggering the "bolus response," which causes you to expel fluids quickly.

2. You Urinate Too Much or Too Little

Frequent urination shortly after drinking water can indicate that your body isn’t effectively using the fluids. On the flip side, if you rarely urinate, it might be a sign that you’re not drinking enough.

Most adults urinate between 6-7 times per day, though 4-10 times may still be within the normal range. If your habits fall outside of this, it could be worth examining your hydration levels.

3. Your Urine Is Dark

A quick way to check your hydration is by the color of your urine. Dark yellow or orange urine suggests dehydration, while pale yellow is a sign of healthy hydration. However, keep in mind that certain vitamins and supplements can also affect the color.

4. You’re Often Tired

Fluids are essential for energy and overall body function. Dehydration can disrupt the electrical signals in your body, leaving you fatigued. Other factors, like air travel or spending long hours in air-conditioned spaces, can also contribute to dehydration and tiredness.

5. You Feel Dizzy or Have Headaches

Low fluid levels can lead to reduced blood volume, causing low blood pressure and less blood flow to the brain. This can result in dizziness or frequent headaches. If you notice these symptoms, sipping water slowly throughout the day may provide relief.

Restore Your Fluids

If dehydration or under-hydration has left you feeling off-balance, IV therapy may help. At Rapid Response Urgent Care, we tailor treatments to meet your specific needs, ensuring your body receives the fluids and nutrients it craves.

Beyond rehydration, our IV therapy sessions are a calming way to prioritize your health. Many patients notice an immediate improvement in how they feel and look after treatment.

Think dehydration might be affecting your health? Call our office in Granada Hills, CA, or book an appointment online today to learn how IV therapy can support your wellness.