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This 3-Second Pinch Test Is the Easiest Way to Tell Whether You’re Dehydrated

Tamim Alnuweiri
May 9, 2018
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Photo: Stocksy/Pixel Stories
You know that you should be drinking water like it's your job (or at least side hustle, since you can overdo it), as the benefits of imbibing the clear lifeblood span staving off obesity, keeping jet lag at bay, and gifting you oh-so-glowy skin, to name a few. But how do you know if you are actually hydrated, especially considering that age-old pee-color test is a big myth?

Pinch skin either on your abdomen or arm for a few seconds and then let go. If your skin returns to normal immediately, it has normal turgor, but if it takes a moment, the turgor is likely poor, which correlates to dehydration.

There's actually a super-simple method for checking your hydration level, and all it involves is a pinch of your skin, according to Medline Plus. Skin turgor, or the skin's elasticity, is what allows the "skin to change shape and then return to normal." To test it, pinch skin either on your abdomen or arm for a few seconds and then let go. If your skin returns to normal immediately, it has normal turgor, but if it takes a moment, the turgor is likely poor, which correlates to dehydration.

And since it can be tough to keep exact track of how much water you're guzzling (especially considering that we all need different amounts to stay sufficiently hydrated!), having a qualitative hack at your literal fingertips is certainly helpful. So go ahead and pinch yourself—you're not dreaming.

This is how to drink water according to Ayurveda . And here's a trainer's guide to staying hydrated during your workout.

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