Is there a difference between being thirsty and dehydrated? Like scientifically, biologically – by the time you notice that you are thirsty, are you already dehydrated?

Question

Is there a difference between being thirsty and dehydrated? Like scientifically, biologically – by the time you notice that you are thirsty, are you already dehydrated?

In: Biology

Answer 1

The ‘if you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated’ thing is a myth spread by drill sergeants and gym teachers.

A number if things can trigger thirst, including but not limited to dehydration.

Signs of dehydration are nausea, headaches, dry mouth and throat, reduced blood pressure, dark urine.

The tl;dr is you should drink when you are thirsty- not force yourself to drink when you are not.

Edit: To clarify, if you have symptoms of dehydration other than thirst you totally should have a glass of water even if you don’t want it. Sometimes your body is weird like that.