Dehydration Headache: All You Need to Know!

Are you dealing with a headache that feels like a bad hangover? Dehydration can be one of the main causes you are noticing headache symptoms if you are not maintaining your hydration level. Yes, you read right, When some people don’t drink enough water, they get a headache or migraine. 

According to studies, the majority of adults don’t hydrate themselves close to the recommended level. In fact, multiple studies report that 75% of adults in the U.S. suffer from chronic dehydration, drinking only 2.5 cups a day on average. 

However, it has been commonly said that dehydration and headache are connected and the new term dehydration headache has made its way. In order to help you understand this term in detail, The Scott Read Pharmacy – a drugstore in Houston has conducted complete research and gathered all the important information you must need to know. So without further ado let’s get in.

What “Dehydration Headache” Term Means?

Dehydration headache is a term used for a type of headache that can be caused by not drinking enough water. A dehydration headache can happen when the body does not get enough fluid. Dehydration headaches can turn into mild or severe migraine headaches. In addition, here we have listed common symptoms and causes of dehydration headaches. 

Dehydration Headache Symptoms:

• Throbbing headache
• Fatigue & dizziness
• Excessive thirst
• Dry or sticky mouth
• Lower blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Dark-colored urine

Dehydration Headache Causes: 

• Inadequate liquid intake
• Prolong exposure to heat
• Diarrhea & vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of appetite

How Can Dehydration Cause Headache Symptoms?

The major reason dehydration is connected with a headache is the body requires a necessary balance of fluid and electrolytes (minerals that regulate body functions) to function properly. However, losing the body fluid reduces electrolytes and to maintain that maintaining a good hydration level is very important.

Furthermore, 60% of the human body is made up of water, our brains are made up of 80% water, and fluid is lost during the day through activities such as sweating. When a person gets dehydrated, their brain and other body tissues contract. Pressure is applied to the nerves in the head as your brain contracts and pulls away from the skull, causing discomfort. Because of this, even mild dehydration induces discomfort and even fatigue.

How to Treat Dehydration Headaches?

Since, now you know the root cause of your headache is lack of water, The best way to treat dehydration headaches is to rehydrate your body. However, there are some treatment options that can help you tackle and prevent dehydration headaches. 

Maintain a good hydration level: Try to drink enough water, but don’t chug it down like you have been thirsty for years; take small and slow sips and let your body absorb it. It is highly recommended to maintain a good hydration level and aim for about 2 liters of water every day. 

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help alleviate the headache. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before taking any type of medication. Additionally, if you are one of those searching for a community pharmacy in Houston – Scott Read Pharmacy is here to meet your medicine needs.

Avoid excessive intake of caffeine: Tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks can be counted as dehydrated drinks. Such dehydrated drinks have high levels of diuretics which increase urine production. So it’s best to limit or avoid them when you are dealing with dehydration headaches. 

Munch on Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet, such as fruits (watermelon, cucumber, oranges) and vegetables (lettuce, celery, tomatoes), which can contribute to your overall hydration and boost immunity system. Hence, adding such fruits and veggies to your diet can prevent dehydration headaches. 

Conclusion:

Here’s the complete wrap-up on dehydration headaches. If you are looking for high-quality over-the-counter medications, then reach out to Scott Read Pharmacy – the leading pharmacy in Houston. We provide a wide range of medicines that help you tackle headache symptoms.