Our bodies are able to function properly when hydrated. Water is a vital component in regulating the body's temperature, protecting tissues, lubricating joints, helping in waste discharge among other functions.

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Foods that are high in sugar, salt and sodium decreases the amount of water in the body making you dehydrated. 

Here are five foods that are secretly dehydrating you.

1. Coffee 

This is a diuretic drink. It increases the production of urine and hence speeding up dehydration. To avoid frequent urination, you should increase your water intake once you take a cup or two of coffee to create fluid balance. 

2. Sugary drinks

Drinks that are rich in sugar creates an acidic environment in the body which triggers the kidneys to work extra hard in creating a neutral environment. This exercise uses a lot of water hence dehydrating you.

3. Alcohol

This drink makes you to urinate more frequently since it draws the water in your cells to stabilise working conditions for most body processes. A night of drinking alcohol leaves you dehydrated and this makes you weak since the cells are depleted of water.

4. Fried foods

Fried and processed foods are not good for the body. In addition, they contain a hidden amount of salt and once consumed in high amounts, they lead to dehydration.

5. High protein foods

Consuming foods rich in protein content forces the body to use more water to metabolise the nitrogen found in the protein and this makes you dehydrated.