Vaping is an excellent alternative to smoking; however, this doesn’t mean it’s consequence-free. One of the unfortunate side effects of electronic cigarettes is vaping dehydration.
Dehydration occurs when vapers neglect to monitor their vaping frequency and fluid intake and fail to recognize the early symptoms of dehydration.
This article contains the information you need to stay hydrated when you vape.
Contents
Why Does Vaping Cause Dehydration?
The ingredients in e-liquid are a major cause of dehydration and can be the reason vapers complain about thirst, dry mouth, and dark circles under their eyes (in extreme cases).
One reason vaping is better than smoking is that vapers exhale vapor clouds instead of smoke. This cloud is mainly a mix of water, e-juice, and possibly nicotine.
E-liquid is made of four major ingredients, including vegetable glycerin (VG) or propylene glycol (PG) (or a combination of both). Both PG and VG are a hygroscopic substance known as a humectant.
Humectants are known for their ability to soak in and retain water molecules. When you vape, the humectants suck in water from your body, preventing it from being absorbed.
Because the cloud is mainly water vapor and e-liquids contain humectants, fluids are extracted from your body during the vaping process. This causes vaping dehydration.
Additionally, the flavoring, some ingredients (such as caramel, salt, and sugar), and other chemicals in e-liquid are dehydrating. Alcohol, coffee, or other caffeinated beverages can also contribute.
What Are the Symptoms of Dehydration?
Water makes up a majority of the human body; about 60% of our body is water – this means we depend on water to function.
When we are dehydrated, the symptoms can be obvious but they manifest in a variety of ways. These include:
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth and throat
- Dry eyes
- Lethargy/Fatigue
- Dark undereye circles
- Dizziness
- Dark-colored urine
- Headache
- Decreased urine volume and frequency
How to Prevent Vaping Dehydration
The good news is, while dehydration should be taken seriously, you can usually cure it easily. There’s no need to be scared of it!
The only cure for dehydration is consuming enough fluids throughout your day. All you need is a little effort, and you will be fine.
It’s not a big deal to keep yourself hydrated, and here are some tips to help you get it right:
Drink More Water
As mentioned earlier, drinking enough water is the key to staying hydrated when vaping.
While there is no hard and fast rule for water consumption, according to the Mayo Clinic, men should consume around 3.7 liters and women about 2.7 liters daily. (This translates into roughly 6 to 8 glasses per day.)
Vapers may want to increase their water consumption because of the humectants in vape juice.
For some people, drinking water isn’t fun – they find plain water tasteless and quickly get tired of it. Fortunately, there are ways to make your water more enjoyable! You can add flavor enhancers or make “infused water” by adding herbs, fruits, or veggies.
It’s essential to drink water regularly as well as any time you feel thirsty. If you are out and about, we suggest carrying a gallon jug or water bottle with you.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages
The consumption of alcoholic or caffeinated drinks (e.g., tea, coffee, soda, iced tea, etc.) also interferes with proper hydration, and vapers could benefit from avoiding them.
That’s not to say it’s terrible to smoke your e-cigarette with your morning coffee – it’s a great combination – just be mindful of increasing your water intake throughout the day.
Eat Water-Rich Fruits and Veggies
Normal solid foods, such as fruits and vegetables, also contain water. Even the fluid found in an orange can help you stay hydrated!
Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet has many health benefits, not the least of which is improving the level of water in your body.
When to Avoid Vaping
If you vape while performing certain activities or while suffering from a medical condition, you can experience rapid fluid loss. This can lead to severe dehydration and will require you to seek medical attention.
If you’re not adequately hydrated, we recommend avoiding you vape during the following:
- When you’re doing strenuous physical activities like manual labor or enhanced exercise.
- When you are suffering from diarrhea, fever, or vomiting.
- When you are exposed to the heat, and you haven’t consumed enough fluids.
- When taking medication that is known to enhance dehydration.
Conclusion
As a vaper, it’s important to be vigilant with your fluid consumption to avoid dehydration – you won’t regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous is dehydration?
Dehydration is only dangerous when it becomes extreme. Some of the symptoms of severe dehydration include very dry skin, lack of urine, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
Is vaping the cause of dehydration?
Yes, vaping can be dehydrating, especially if your water intake is lower than the recommended daily level.
What is the ideal quantity of water to drink when vaping?
The average water consumption for a healthy adult stands between 2 and 4 liters per day, depending on your activity level and overall health. However, for vapers, more is always better.