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Life could not have evolved without water. You can manage without all drinks but not without water. Sometimes, when you don’t feel good, all you need is a glass of water. And not many will disagree that it can be more satisfying than cold drinks or coffee. You will notice that drinking enough water can solve several problems that you might have been facing for a while.
Sadly, a lot of us don’t drink enough water, which leads to a lot of complications. As water intake is compromised, daily bodily functions like sweating, urinating, and others like vomiting and diarrhea can cause fluid loss. If you feel thirsty quite often, it simply means that you’re dehydrated. You might also be losing essential compounds such as salt and potassium that assist the body in breathing, moving, talking, and basically keeping up with daily activities.
Are you thinking about how much water should I drink? It depends on your height, weight, food preferences, age, gender, etc. Consult expert nutritionists with FITFEAST to find out how much water you should drink and how to drink more water if there’s a deficit. Track your water intake in-app and always stay hydrated.
Signs That You’re Not Drinking Enough Water
One of the most obvious indicators that you’re not drinking enough water is a dry, sticky mouth. While you are likely to drink anything easily available, sugary drinks are not only a temporary solution, but they add to the problem as well. Water lubricates the mucous membranes present in the mouth and throat that keeps the mouth moist. A dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Lack of saliva in the mouth causes a surge of bacterial growth in the mouth. Drinking plenty of water and brushing your teeth help reduce bad breath.
The skin needs to stay hydrated, considering it is the largest organ of the body. Dry skin is an early manifestation of full-on dehydration, which might lead to several other problems. Dehydration causes a lack of sweat that compromises the body’s ability to get rid of the excess oil and dirt. This, in turn, leads to breakouts, which can only be avoided by drinking enough water. Cracked skin, dry lips, roughness, flaking, redness, and tightening among others are signs of dehydration.
If you visit a physiotherapist or a general physician for joint pain, you might be advised to drink enough water. Our spinal discs and cartilages are 4/5th water and not drinking enough water might cause them to grind together with every movement. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain joint functionality; absorbing the shocks caused by running, jumping, or falling.
Just like water lubricates the mucus membranes in the mouth and throat and allows them to function properly, it does the same for the digestive system. The amount of mucus in the stomach reduces due to dehydration and the stomach acids cause damage to the insides. As a result, you feel indigestion and heartburn.
During the digestion process, the colon, as well as the intestines, require water. What happens is that the colon uses up all the water if you’re dehydrated and the intestines don’t get their share, which leads to constipation.
The body kind of “borrows” water from the blood when you’re dehydrated. Therefore, dehydration causes improper transport of oxygen to the different parts of the body. The lack of oxygen causes fatigue and sleepiness. It might lead to a decrease in your stamina, which might make you lethargic early in the day and energy drinks and coffee won’t help either.
Your body might start craving food without actually being hungry when you’re dehydrated. It might happen during the day or late at night. If you give in to this urge, you will only burden your organs. Water facilitates the digestion process and purifies the organs. Drinking enough water might help reduce cravings. Dehydrated individuals usually have a higher body weight.
Dehydration affects the most important functions of the body. The example of a hangover should suffice; excess alcohol causes dehydration. The dry, bloodshot eyes and the pounding in the head are also caused due to dehydration. The lack of water leads to dry tear ducts, which is why you feel an itchy, burning sensation in your eyes. This can be especially bad for those who wear contact lenses.
One of the most troublesome signs of dehydration is that you will stay stick for longer. Water flushes toxins out of the body in addition to certain wastes. It is like a machine’s lubricant that keeps it clean and working. Not drinking enough water can prolong sickness since the body starts to pull water from the stored areas, which can be dangerous.
Research suggests that dehydration slows down certain aspects of brain function. The brain is 70% water and dehydration can affect concentration and memory. The participants of a study found it difficult to perform when it came to vision and memory tests. Dehydration can also lead to mistakes while driving; slowed reaction time and drifting across lanes is quite common.
You must see a doctor at the earliest if you experience low blood pressure, delirium or hallucinations, heatstroke, fainting, or seizures. For all the other symptoms, start drinking enough water.
