Typical signs of dehydration in athletes and how to correct.

• A. Thirst, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness; correct with water and electrolyte beverages, early rehydration, and replacing fluids during and after activity
• B. Headache only; correct with coffee
• C. Excessive sweating with no thirst
• D. Thirst only; wait until after activity

Answer: (A)

Dehydration in athletes shows up when fluid loss affects performance and body function, so the key idea is recognizing multiple common signs and using fluids to fully restore balance. Thirst, dark urine, fatigue, and dizziness signal that you’re not adequately hydrated, and rehydration should start early with fluids that replace both water and electrolytes. Drinking water or electrolyte beverages during and after activity helps restore blood volume, support cooling, and prevent further decline in performance. Relying on only a headache, waiting for thirst, or hoping coffee will fix it isn’t effective, and waiting until after activity to drink lets dehydration worsen.