The modern lifestyle, including sitting indoors in air-conditioned rooms, plays a role in promoting dehydration. Dr Reddy shares how it can be prevented. Dehydration becomes a health condition when the body loses more water than it takes in. Many consider feeling thirsty to be a warning sign, but Dr B Ravinder Reddy, consultant surgeon in the division of general surgery, trauma and surgical gastroenterology at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, considers that to be a misconception.Staying well-hydrated is essential for good health. (Pexel)Also Read | Doctor explains how dehydration affects the brain, shares 5 related signs to look out forHe shared with HT Lifestyle why dehydration is becoming increasingly common, whether drinking water is enough to beat dehydration, and shared lifestyle habits that help prevent it.How modern lifestyle promotes dehydrationAccording to Dr Reddy, the modern lifestyle is to blame for the rise in dehydration cases.“People spend long hours in air-conditioned offices, commute through extreme heat, consume multiple cups of tea or coffee, skip water during meetings, exercise without adequate fluid replacement, and often mistake thirst for hunger or fatigue,” he shared.“Even those working indoors may gradually lose fluids without realising it. This creates what we often describe as functional dehydration, a state where the individual does not feel overtly thirsty but is not optimally hydrated either.”Over time, this can affect concentration, physical performance, and overall well-being, cautioned the surgeon.Is drinking water enough to counter dehydration?Feeling thirsty is not the first warning sign for dehydration, noted Dr Reddy. By the time one feels thirsty, the body may already be functioning with less fluid than it ideally requires. This is why hydration should be maintained consistently throughout the day instead of relying solely on thirst.Getting sufficient electrolytes along with water is good for hydration. (Pexel)“Water remains the foundation of good hydration and should always be the primary source of daily fluid intake. However, hydration is not simply about the volume of water consumed; it is also about how effectively the body absorbs, distributes, and retains that fluid,” shared the surgeon.“Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride regulate fluid balance, support nerve conduction, and enable muscles, including the heart, to function normally.”In situations involving excessive sweating, prolonged physical activity, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, or prolonged heat exposure, replacing both fluids and electrolytes becomes important. Balanced electrolyte solutions facilitate more efficient fluid absorption through sodium-glucose transport mechanisms in the intestine compared to plain water alone under these circumstances.However, Dr Reddy cautioned that all electrolyte beverages are not the same. Some contain high quantities of sugar and inadequate electrolyte composition. Those are best avoided.Lifestyle habits to prevent dehydrationAs per Dr Reddy, proper hydration should be a part of an individual’s daily wellness routine rather than something to think about only when one is thirsty. Simple habits that keep one hydrated include:Starting the morning with a glass of waterKeeping a water bottle within easy reach throughout the workdayTaking regular hydration breaks, especially during long meetings or screen timeIncreasing fluid intake during hot weather, travel, or exerciseIncluding water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and tomatoes in the dietReplenishing fluids and electrolytes after experiencing significant fluid loss through sweating or illness“Hydration is one of the simplest lifestyle interventions available, yet it has a meaningful impact on energy levels, cognitive performance, mood, and overall health,” noted Dr Reddy.Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, US news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all. The explorations can be both external and internal, as thoughts seek to be as chaotic as the greater universe. As a citizen of the world, Debapriya has been fascinated by the lives of people across the globe throughout time. His curiosity leads him to explore new linguistic and cultural landscapes to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of global narratives. Beyond the newsroom, Debapriya loves to participate in debate and theatre, spaces that he considers to be holy grounds for nuance and self-expression. A graduate from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta, Debapriya completed his Master's degree from the same university in 2022. An ambiverted bibliophile, he loves his solitude as much as he adores stimulating conversations. And despite his reverence for tech, libraries continue to be his favourite place for research.Read MoreHealthCatch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.See Less