Summer’s almost here and dehydration is just one of the many side effects of hot weather. A medical professional shares a simple method to check if your body is hydrated.
This test is easy to do at your convenience and only takes a few seconds, just like the lick test we showed you, to find out if your breath smells bad.
Simple test to check if your body is dehydrated
Foot and ankle surgery specialist Dr. Dana Brems uses her TikTok video to talk about the ‘Skin Turgos’ test, which is used to find out how hydrated you are.
To do it, just pull your fingertip or the skin over your knuckles to see if it returns to its original form or stays in the same position.
If the skin flattens immediately, it means your body is hydrated, if it doesn’t – you’re probably dehydrated.
Skin turgor is the medical term for skin elasticity. It determines the skin’s ability to change shape and go back to its normal form.
Hydrated skin is more elastic. Whereas, dehydrated skin isn’t as flexible, so it remains tented and doesn’t return to normal.
How to stay hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated is essential to regulate its temperature, flush toxins, support the immune system, and more.
According to Mayo Clinic Diet, an average healthy individual must drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. It also suggests drinking 9 to 13 cups of plain water as beverages such as coffee, tea, milk, and others contribute to the recommended daily amount.
Keep in mind to:
- Drink about 8 ounces of water after waking up and before going to bed.
- Drink water throughout the day and don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Go for sugar-free beverages and skip cream.
- Infuse water with fruits, vegetables, and herbs water for a tasty and refreshing drink.
- Do not substitute water with alcohol as it makes you more dehydrated.
Dr. Dana Brems is a Podiatrist/Foot Surgeon based in Santa Monica, California. She graduated from the MemorialCare Long Beach PMSR/RRA residency in 2022 and is currently serving as a podiatric physician in the Los Angeles area.
