Dehydration

I am dehydrated more lately. I have been drinking a lot of water but wondering if it could be my increased fiber intake. Does anyone know?

Thanks in advance :)

Interesting question, hoping someone will chime in. How do you know you are dehydrated? Are you thirsty? Are you suffering from a lot of loose bowel movements (this is a sign of perhaps "too much" fiber). How much water have you been drinking? How much fiber do you intake?

Here is some info from the Ask Mary section of Calorie Count:

What is the ideal amount of water to drink in a day?

Everyone does not have the same fluid requirements.  People come in all sizes and many different environmental conditions impact fluid needs.  All fluids in food and beverages contribute towards your fluid intake, but fluids that provide calories, like fruit juice, add to your calorie intake as well.  Do not wait to drink until you are thirsty because, by then, you are already too dry. Find your fluid requirements by using this Hydration Calculator from the Nutrition Guide at About.com.

I don't think fibre intake increases generally cause dehydration - but diarrhea and greater frequency of looser bowel movements can, as NYC has said.

Dehydration, however, can be signs of more serious matters like electrolyte imbalances. How long have you been having trouble with this?

I'm sorry I should have given more detailed information. I have been experiencing this for 3 days to a week.

I am 5'2 and 284 lbs

The last 3 days I have had loose bowel movements and I think that is because of the increased fiber.

My skin is very dry and so is my throat. My hands especially are dry and I keep using moisturizers but still dry. My feet are dry too heck i'm dry all over LOL.

I feel dry inside; okay I know that may sound weird but it's like my skin feels tight or something.

I did the top of the hand pinch test and my skin falls back down rapidly. So i'm thinking i'm dehydrated.

I'm sitting here with a gallon of water next to me and have been drinking it all day long.

I have been drinking a lot of tea (decaff) usually about 48-64 oz a day.

I was wondering if the increase in fiber would make me dehydrated or cause me to require more water.

The last 3 days i've had anywhere from 35-55 grams of fiber a day

I tried to edit but could not because this post was moved from wieght loss to support.

I needed to edit how much fiber I said i'm getting. I looked again and it's around 30-35 grams a day not up to 55.

Do you find yourself urinating often?

If it persists I recommend seeing a doctor. It could be a sign of a more serious problem like diabetes.

I've got to tell you that it does not sound like you're overdoing the fiber.  Being dehydrated even though you're drinking enough fluids could be a serious medical issue, please go see your doctor.  Particularly if you're thirsty rather than just feeling dry.  Are you eliminating anywhere near as much water as you're taking in?

An increase in exercise or hotter temperatures can cause you to need more water.

I'm not urinating any more then usual. I don't think.  Guess I better get tested. I was border (so the Doc said) diabetic 2 years ago. Seme say there is no border diabetic or almost diabetic you either are or you aren't but the way it was explained to me by the Doc is I was one # away from being considered diabetic.

Part of me wanting to lose weight is to not become diabetic as it runs in my family. I will wait a few more days then if not resolved I will make an appt. Thanks

Don't wait, just make the appointment.  It may turn out to be nothing or an off week, but you're better to be safe than sorry.  Waiting if it's really a problem can exasperate it whereas going in when there's nothing won't hurt anything.

Agreed. Fibre minimums are 25g, but the amount people's bodies can tolerate varies immensely. Some people can manage 50g. Some can only do well with that 25g-ish before it becomes a bit more of an issue. If you're having loose bowel movements you're taking in too much of it.

Still, go to your doctor. Better to discuss this with a health professional than play the guessing game.