4 min readNew DelhiSep 11, 2026 11:00 AM IST
Most people think thirst is the first sign of dehydration. But according to gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi, your body may send out much subtler signals long before you feel like reaching for a glass of water.
In a recent video, he highlighted three lesser-known symptoms that dehydration can trigger. He said, “Three unusual signs of dehydration. The last one is a common complaint from my patients. First, you start craving something sweet. Dehydration makes your liver struggle to release glucose, blood sugar drops and your brain demands sugar to compensate. Second, headaches. Most people reach for painkillers without realising dehydration is the real trigger.
Fluid loss temporarily shrinks the brain, creating pressure and pain. And last, bad breath that won’t go away. Dehydration kills saliva production, bacteria multiply, and your breath pays the price. Share this widely to spread awareness.”
