Chronic Dehydration

[Icculus]

I've been on Atkins for about 4 months now, and the results have been quite amazing. I feel great and have lost almost 40 pounds. In the past month, however, it seems as though I've been constantly suffering from dehydration. I'm aware of the fact that carbohydrates help the body absorb water -- therefore my low carb intake could result in me needing to drink more water. Unfortunately, I've been drinking a plethora of water with no results. Anyone else experiencing this or something similar? Any ideas on what I should do?

[Rosebud]

Hi Icculus, welcome!

First of all, what exactly are you describing as dehydration? Is your urine very concentrated? Are you constantly fatigued, dizzy? Is your skin extra dry? Do your eyes seem to be "sunken" back into your head?

Or are you constantly thirsty? Because a dry mouth can simply indicate ketosis.

How much is a "plethora" ;) of water? We need to aim for a minimum of 2 litres/64 oz PLUS another 250 mL/8 oz for every extra 25 pounds we wish to lose.
If you are drinking enough for your urine to be quite dilute (pale), you are doing fine.

All the best.

:rose:Rosebud:rose:

[Icculus]

Well, I guess you gave me another way to look at it. The only real symptom I'm experience is a dry mouth, but it's more severe than I've ever experienced. It just seemed odd that it never affected me in the first 3 months of the diet. I'm drinking even more than what you had listed for my daily water intake -- so I guess my body isn't really dehydrated. So I guess the question is, is the dry mouth related to Atkins or something else? :eek:

I have been having some weird alergies lately (I never get those at this time of year) -- maybe it's related to that. Regardless, I'll probably just talk to my doctor. But thanks for the alternate perspective! :wave: