There’s a simple method to determine if you are dehydrated.
The National Library of Medicine reports that dehydration affects 17 to 28 percent of adult Americans and is a common reason for hospital visits.
The National Council on Aging emphasizes that as you age, staying hydrated becomes more crucial, particularly for individuals aged 60 and above, who are at higher risk of dehydration.
Although it’s vital for older adults to manage their fluid intake, staying hydrated is important for all ages.
Mayo Clinic suggests that men should consume 3.7 liters of fluids daily, while women should aim for 2.7 liters.
Many people, myself included, don’t keep track of their water intake, but a doctor has offered a straightforward method to check for dehydration.
On TikTok, Dr. Myro Figura demonstrated the ‘pinch test’ where you pinch the skin on your hand to see if it stays elevated or returns to normal quickly.
This procedure is known as the Tugor pinch test, according to Dr. Figura.
https://www.tiktok.com/@username/video/7367026189447335214
“When you’re dehydrated, your extracellular space contracts and that reduces your skin elasticity,” the medical expert explained, “so when you pinch your skin like this it’ll stay up because you’re dehydrated.”
The background clip in Dr. Figura’s video shows someone using the skin on the back of their fingers, but he advises performing the test on the back of your hand.
Other signs of dehydration include infrequent urination, dark urine, tiredness, and dizziness.
If you experience severe symptoms, such as diarrhea or an inability to retain fluids, seek medical help.
As many know, increased fluid intake leads to more frequent urination, and there is a 21-second guideline for bathroom visits.
A 2014 study examined the urination duration across different animal species with various weights, providing a benchmark for humans.
The study suggests that around 21 seconds is optimal for urination; deviations might indicate excessive bathroom visits or holding urine too long.
Frequent bathroom use might suggest an overactive bladder, while infrequent urination could lead to kidney stones.
Generally, drinking eight glasses of water a day should result in eight trips to the restroom, according to urologist Nicole Eisenbrown.