We’ve all heard the advice: “Drink six to eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy.” While this is a good guideline, the truth is, it’s not always as simple as just counting glasses. What if you could quickly check if you’re dehydrated with a simple test? Well, it turns out that you can!

Health expert Dr. Myro Figura recently shared a straightforward test on TikTok that anyone can do at home to check their hydration levels in seconds. No more wondering if you’re getting enough fluids. Let’s dive into how this test works and why staying hydrated is so crucial for your health.

The Simple Dehydration Test: The Turgor Pinch
If you’ve ever been in a hospital, you may have seen medical professionals check for dehydration by pinching the skin. This is known as the Turgor Pinch Test. It’s a fast, painless way to assess how hydrated you are. Dr. Figura explains that when you’re dehydrated, your skin loses some of its elasticity. This is due to the loss of fluid in the body, making the skin less flexible.

To carry out the test, you can pinch the skin on the back of your hand (not your finger, as Dr. Figura points out in his TikTok video). Once you pinch the skin, let go. If the skin immediately snaps back into place, you’re likely well-hydrated. However, if the skin stays pinched for a while, it’s a sign that your skin’s elasticity has been reduced due to dehydration.

Why Does Skin Elasticity Matter?
Your skin’s elasticity is closely tied to the amount of fluid in your body. The more hydrated you are, the better your skin will bounce back when pinched. On the other hand, when you’re dehydrated, your body loses water and that affects the extracellular space in your cells, reducing skin elasticity. So, if you’re noticing that your skin doesn’t bounce back as it should, it’s a clear signal that you need to drink more fluids.

How to Perform the Test Correctly
Dr. Figura stresses that the test must be done on the back of your hand, not your finger. This is because the skin on your fingers can behave differently compared to the skin on the back of your hand, which is better suited for this test.

To perform the Turgor Pinch Test correctly:

Pinch the Skin on the Back of Your Hand: Gently grab a small fold of skin.
Release the Skin: Let go of the pinch and observe how quickly the skin returns to its normal position.
Interpret the Results:
If the skin returns immediately, you’re likely hydrated.
If the skin remains pinched or takes longer to return to its normal position, it’s a sign of dehydration.
Other Signs of Dehydration
While the Turgor Pinch Test is a great way to check your hydration, there are other signs that can indicate you’re dehydrated. Here are some common symptoms to look out for: