Dehydration and Headaches
The simple definition of dehydration is the loss of water and other electrolytes from the body. Electrolytes are essential for carrying out several bodily functions. There are many activities that are responsible for the loss of water from the body, such as urination, sweating and breathing. It is important to replenish the lost amount of water to keep your body well hydrated. Dehydration is responsible for causing several health related problems including headaches.
How Dehydration and Headaches are Related?
The main cause of dehydration of dehydration headaches is the loss of water and electrolytes from the body. Our body tries to conserve the remaining water and for this purpose, it constricts the blood vessels. Due to constricted blood vessels the amount of oxygen and blood to the brain is reduced.
Some common causes of dehydration include
- Not drinking enough water or other fluid
- Intake of dehydration causing substances like coffee and alcohol
- Various physical activities like sports and exercises etc.
- Use of diuretics, antihistamines and calcium channel blockers
- Various medical conditions such as diabetes, and kidney and adrenal gland disorders
How to Treat Headache due to Dehydration
When suffering from dehydration, you will feel pain on the front, back or one side of your head. In some cases, this pain can also be felt throughout the entire head. You will also notice that the pain get worsened on bending your head or moving it sideways. One of the best and natural treatments for this condition is to drink plenty of water. You can also take help from sports drinks to replenish your body fluid. If none of the way works, then you can also take over the counter pain relievers.
Tips to Prevent Headache due to Dehydration
Here are some tips to prevent dehydration headaches
As stated before, drinking water throughout the day is one of the easiest ways to get rid of dehydration headaches. According to the experts, drink about 40 ounce of water for per 100 pounds of body weight. Increase your water intake, in case
- If you are engaged with physical activities like sports or exercises.
- If you are living in warmer weather or climate
- If you are taking medications
- If you are suffering from a certain health condition such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, diabetes and kidney disease
Also, look for the other signs of dehydration like frequency of urination and the color of urine. In this condition you need to replenish the body by consuming water and other electrolyte drinks.
