One of the most common issues that new vapers—or even seasoned vapers—experience? Feeling dehydrated when vaping. Many newbies are probably puzzled by their sudden thirst or dry mouth. Yes, smoking cigarettes made you feel thirsty, but vaping kicks the intensity up a notch.
Most of us are aware of what dehydration does to the body. If you aren’t feeling hydrated, that means that you aren’t drinking enough fluids, and it is very important to rehydrate yourself. But why does vaping seem to make it more difficult to quench your thirst?
Why Am I Feeling Dehydrated When Vaping?
When I began vaping, I had no idea that dehydration was a side effect that I would have to combat. After realizing that I was feeling dehydrated during and after vaping, I wanted to know why vaping causes dehydration. The answer here is not to be found in the act of vaping itself, but rather in the ingredients of your vape juice.
If you’ve been vaping for a while, you already know what propylene glycol (PG) is. An ingredient of your e-juice, PG is an odorless and colorless substance that is used in food products, as well as in your vape juice. High PG juices will have the stronger “throat-hit” that many ex-smokers long for.
PG, however, is a hygroscopic substance. To put it simply, PG bonds with water molecules, which means that the PG in your e-liquid will draw from the water molecules in your mouth, as well as your nose and your throat. Obviously, if you are new to vaping, you’re probably going to feel it pretty quickly, since you aren’t aware that you need to compensate with more fluids.
Even seasoned vapers will sometimes neglect our hydration levels, especially when temperatures are rising and we aren’t trying to counteract all of the factors that lead to gradual dehydration.
What if I Don’t Realize I’m Dehydrated?
Truly, some of us are oblivious until our lips begin to crack at the corners. Dehydration can come on very gradually if we aren’t paying attention. The best rule of thumb is to pay attention to your thirst.
If you are feeling thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Fatigue, dry eyes, and dry mouth are also some signs to be on the watch for, as well as the color of your urine. If it doesn’t look light or clear, then you’re probably dehydrated.
So How Do I Combat This?
This is going to sound like a really obvious solution, but drink more water! We all know that keeping ourselves hydrated is important. If we neglect our hydration, it can lead to some serious consequences. The easiest way to prevent dehydration is to drink the recommended eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, plus a little extra.
The more you vape, the more you should drink. If you start to feel thirsty that means that you aren’t drinking enough water. Monitor how much water you drink throughout the day. Another option? If you feel consistently dehydrated, your PG percentage may be too high for you, so you might consider it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaping and Hydration
Can vaping cause long-term dehydration issues?
While vaping can cause temporary dehydration, drinking adequate water can usually prevent long-term issues. However, if you consistently vape and fail to hydrate properly, it could potentially lead to chronic dehydration.
Are there any specific beverages that are best for rehydration when vaping?
Water is the best option for rehydration. Beverages with electrolytes can also be beneficial, but it’s advisable to avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can contribute to dehydration.
Does vaping dehydrate you more than smoking cigarettes?
Both vaping and smoking have dehydrating effects due to the inhalation of substances that draw moisture from the body. However, the level of dehydration may vary between individuals and products used.
Is it safe to vape if I have a condition that makes me prone to dehydration?
If you have a health condition that predisposes you to dehydration, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before vaping.
Can changing the type of vape juice I use reduce dehydration?
Yes, using a vape juice with a lower concentration of propylene glycol (PG) and higher vegetable glycerin (VG) may reduce dehydration as VG is less hygroscopic than PG.
Are there any signs of severe dehydration from vaping that I should watch for?
Severe dehydration symptoms include extreme thirst, very dry mouth, skin, and eyes, little or no urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Does the flavor of vape juice affect dehydration levels?
The flavor itself doesn’t directly impact dehydration, but if the e-juice has a higher PG content for flavor enhancement, it could contribute to dehydration.
Final Words
Staying hydrated is essential, especially for vapers. Always keep water handy, listen to your body, and adjust your vaping habits as needed to maintain optimal hydration.
