ALWAYS dehydrated, why?

rexroars
rexroars Posts: 131 Member
in Food and Nutrition
So I realize this might be a question I should just ask my doctor, but just in case this is a common issue I'd love to know if anyone else has experienced this.

I'm 23, 5'10" 146 lbs, female. I hate all sweet drinks, and I've almost completely cut out alcohol. The only things I drink are water and about 1 cup of black coffee per day. I have PCOS and low blood pressure, but really no other medical issues.

I feel like I drink SO much water. I drink way more than 8 cups a day. I drink at least 24-32 oz with every meal (including snacks) a day, and more during my workout, and more when I wake up and before bed.

Yet I feel like I start to get dehydrated all the time!

I've started to check my blood pressure, bodyfat percentage and hydration index weekly at the machine at the pharmacy at my local grocery store. Hydration is always 'negative' like -1.5 or something I think.

Is it possible I'm drinking too much water? Or could it be caused by PCOS or low blood pressure? I am definitely not diabetic, but that's the only issue I know of that causes constant thirst.

Thank you!

Replies

  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    Definitely a doctor issue. One thing you didn't mention was salt intake.
  • rexroars
    rexroars Posts: 131 Member
    I hadn't even thought about my salt intake! It's never something I've tracked (I mostly focus on protein and iron because I struggle with those).

    I just turned on the sodium category in my diary, and it seems like the only days I go over on sodium is when I buy food from restaurants (i.e. Subway, other sandwiches/wraps/tacos etc). That's probably only 1-2 times a week, however, and usually I'm below the MFP 'goal' for sodium. Those are probably things I should try to cut out though :)
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    I would have them check again for diabetes just to be safe.
    Constant thirst, like you said, can be a symptom of it.
    I would watch your intake of water though; you don't want to be drinking too much, because too little water is just as bad as too much water.

    Definitely speak to a doctor, and see what tests you should get done to rule out certain diseases/conditions.
  • Branstin
    Branstin Posts: 2,320 Member
    I agree that you should consult your doctor. It could be anything from medication to sodium to water (even if you drink lots in a day).
  • Ginger046
    Ginger046 Posts: 204 Member
    There are a few other conditions with thirst associated, diabetes is just the most serious! definitely go to your doc and list anything that may help, headaches, diahorrea anything that could be of help to them!
  • CynthiaT60
    CynthiaT60 Posts: 1,280 Member
    Agree with doctor visit. He/she may test kidney function as well as blood sugar etc.
  • tiptoethruthetulips
    tiptoethruthetulips Posts: 3,372 Member
    Feeling dehydrated/thirsty or have a dry mouth?

    Go for at least an hour or two without any fluid and if you can't collect enough saliva for a spit it's likely you are suffering a dry mouth, this can be a symptom of many things, for me it was Sjogren's Syndrome.
  • maidentl
    maidentl Posts: 3,203 Member
    Have you checked the color of your urine?
  • fancyface1955
    fancyface1955 Posts: 90 Member
    Im' kinda in the same boat. I work outside and i'm constantly drinking water because I always feel dehydrated. I ALWAYS drink water all the time nothing else. I drink way more than 64oz and yet i'm still thirsty. I was told that when that happens you need to drink something else to balance out. I usually just have a glass of ice tea and i'm ok. don't know if this might help you. good luck :-)
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    I wouldn't put much stock in the drug store tester, assuming it's an electrical impedence test.

    Maybe you're not thirsty, maybe you're hungry? It looks like you undershoot your calorie goals a bit lately.

    If your urine is not cloudy or dark, I don't think it's dehydration but definitely check with a doctor if you're concerned.
  • stevee290
    stevee290 Posts: 85 Member
    do you eat a lot of hot sauce?
  • aedreana
    aedreana Posts: 979 Member
    Your body maintains a constant ratio of sodium/potassium/water. If you do not consume enough sodium, your body will not retain water. Too much potassium will dehydrate you too.
  • justcat206
    justcat206 Posts: 716 Member
    Feeling dehydrated/thirsty or have a dry mouth?

    Go for at least an hour or two without any fluid and if you can't collect enough saliva for a spit it's likely you are suffering a dry mouth, this can be a symptom of many things, for me it was Sjogren's Syndrome.

    I've also got Sjogrens and it doesn't matter how much I drink, I'm always thirsty! Are your eyes chronically dry too? How does your urine look? If it's Sjogrens (which is autoimmune) you'll likely also have dry eyes but will have clearish pee.
  • tiptoethruthetulips
    tiptoethruthetulips Posts: 3,372 Member
    I've also got Sjogrens and it doesn't matter how much I drink, I'm always thirsty! Are your eyes chronically dry too? How does your urine look? If it's Sjogrens (which is autoimmune) you'll likely also have dry eyes but will have clearish pee.

    My eyes aren't too bad...I drink a lot of water and always have done so urine is mostly always clear.

    I was diagnosed via a minor salivary gland biopsy from the inside lip.
  • joepage612
    joepage612 Posts: 179 Member
    is it possible you started to interpret hunger as thirst?
  • Jennkies
    Jennkies Posts: 382 Member
    As I started back on my weight loss journey, I increased my water intake significantly. Going from maybe 5 cups to at least 10 cups a day. I feel that I am thirsty and my mouth feels dry constantly. However, I have decreased my eating significantly as well. I feel that my body has been purging out some of the toxins through the tongue... this happens during times of fasting as well, even if I am drinking plenty of water. It makes me feel like I am thirsty, but its more of a bad/dry taste in my mouth that I can't get to go away.

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