And what about dehydration, to some a scary word that may be associated with health issues big and small? Mild dehydration can lead to dizziness, fatigue, flushed skin, headache, and impaired physical performance, explains Malina Malkani, RDN, a nutrition and wellness author based in Westchester County, New York. Other symptoms of mild dehydration may include dry skin and thirst. If unaddressed, more extreme dehydration can even cause problems like labored breathing, increased body temperature, poor blood circulation, and seizures, Malkani adds. And according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, dehydration can contribute to urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

1. Myth: If You’re Thirsty, You’re Already Dehydrated
There is some truth to this widely repeated statement. “This can be a really helpful reminder to people because many of us aren’t very in tune with our thirst, so once we realize we’re thirsty, our body really is calling out for water,” says Ginger Hultin, RDN, the Seattle-based owner of Ginger Hultin Nutrition.

But it’s not a one-size-fits-all indicator. “Each person needs to assess if this is actually true for them because there are a lot of reasons a person can be thirsty. It’s not 100 percent always because of dehydration,” says Hultin.

For example, something as simple as spicy food may make you thirstier than normal, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A sharp increase in thirst may also be a sign of a health problem like diabetes. It could be a side effect of a medication you’re taking; certain drugs can cause dry mouth without causing dehydration. Regardless, it’s worth talking to your doctor if you’re much thirstier than normal to determine the underlying reason.

2. Fact: Dark Yellow Urine May Signal That You’re Dehydrated
If you’re concerned you’re not drinking enough water, try this quick trick: Check your urine color. “Urine color can be a pretty good indication of hydration status,” says Hultin.

An eight-level urine color chart lays out urine color from clear to dark yellow or brown — as posted by the U.S. Army Public Health Command. Though everyone is different, the lightest three colors indicate that you’re hydrated, and the darkest five may mean that you’re dehydrated. If your pee falls in the brown range, you should seek medical attention, as Hultin advises this could mean severe dehydration.

RELATED: Genius Hacks That Can Help You Drink More Water

3. Myth: To Avoid Dehydration, Drink as Much Water as You Can
When it comes to water, some people overdo it.

“There’s a condition called hyponatremia, and it happens when the concentration of sodium in your body — which is an electrolyte — gets too low,” says Hultin. “This actually causes the cells in your body to swell, and it is a life-threatening condition.”

While anyone can develop hyponatremia (so-called water toxicity), certain groups are at an elevated risk. That includes individuals with kidney failure, congestive heart failure, liver dysfunction, chronic severe vomiting or diarrhea, Addison’s disease, and those taking certain , such as antidepressants and diuretics, according to the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.

Research has shown that endurance athletes may also be at risk for hyponatremia. Previous scientific evidence points to certain illegal drugs, like ecstasy or MDMA, which may put users at risk for hyponatremia.

If you don’t have one of these risk factors or conditions, don’t fret. “For most healthy individuals, overhydration isn’t a serious concern because the kidneys are able to excrete any excess fluid to maintain water and electrolyte balance,” Malkani says.

When severe, symptoms of hyponatremia, MedlinePlus notes, can include convulsions, confusion, fatigue, headache, nausea, and muscle weakness. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms, especially if they’re severe.

4. Fact: Some Groups Are at Higher Risk of Dehydration Than Others
Meanwhile, some people need to prioritize hydration.

“[Dehydration is] very dangerous for children, pregnant women, and some older adults,” says Hultin. “Especially if someone in these categories is sick with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, they may need medical attention quickly to assess their hydration status.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, severe vomiting and diarrhea are often the main causes of dehydration in children. Meanwhile, older adults can actually have a lower volume of water in the body, and certain and conditions can make matters worse, the Mayo Clinic also notes. And severe morning sickness in pregnant women, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can cause vomiting and lead to dehydration, per the National Health Service.

RELATED: 6 Unusual Signs of Dehydration You Should Know About

5. Myth: You Can Get Hydrated Only by Drinking Liquids
Time to fill your grocery cart with produce — turns out, beverages aren’t the only provisions that will rehydrate you.

“While about 80 percent of our fluid intake comes from liquids, roughly 20 percent comes from the liquid found in watery foods like juicy fruits and vegetables,” explains Malkani. For example, the Mayo Clinic notes that some produce — like watermelon and spinach — is nearly 100 percent water by weight. Other hydrating foods include cucumbers, celery, radishes, watercress, grapefruit, cantaloupe, and strawberries, Malkani adds.

“On the flip side, salty foods and foods high in sodium are dehydrating because when the salt is absorbed and starts circulating in the blood, the body responds by drawing water out of the body’s cells to balance things out, causing increased thirst,