Water is necessary for our survival. There is no individual that can live without water. In addition, water is crucial for almost all the processes that are going on in our bodies. There are many other liquids out there, but the fact is that you can get the best hydration from pure water.
It is also worth mentioning that consumption of a sufficient amount of water will help you remain healthy because it keeps the right temperature of the body and boosts digestion. Water aids the removal of toxic compounds from the body and keeps the body fluids at the right level.
But, one of the crucial properties of this liquid is the fact that water is a great reactant. In other words, most of the chemical reactions vital for our life need water as a medium.
Once you read this, you should be able to understand that insufficient water intake can result in different health problems. It is good to know that tea, juices, coffee, and energy drinks cannot replace water. As a matter of fact, some of them like coffee and energy drinks are packed with caffeine which actually leads to dehydration.
The body often sends us signals that it needs more water. Obviously, the feeling of thirst is one of them, but we will highlight a few more signs that tell us that we are not drinking enough water.
1. Urination Frequency
An average, healthy individual urinates between six and seven times per day. Of course, this number is not the same for every individual because people don’t consume the same quantity of water. If you are urinating not more than three times per day or you are not urinating for more than a few hours, you should definitely start drinking more water. This is how you will know that you need more water. If you are not drinking enough water you will feel many problems in the kidneys. For instance, the kidneys won’t be able to separate and eliminate the impurities circulating in the body. So, if you want all the internal organs to work properly (especially the kidneys), remember to consume water regularly.2. Dry Skin
But, it is not just the internal organs that need water. Our skin requires water to be smooth, soft, and shiny. If you want to take good care of your skin, make sure that it is hydrated. In case you have dry skin, this probably means that the body is dehydrated and your skin needs more water. If the skin is dry despite the use of balms and lotions, you should definitely start drinking water right away. The best practice is to drink several glasses of water throughout the day. We all know how healthy skin can make us look more attractive.3. Migraines/Headaches
There are only a small number of people who are aware of the fact that in many cases, headaches are caused by dehydration. However, headaches that come as a result of dehydration are a little bit different compared to ordinary headaches. The biggest difference is the fact that this specific kind of headache is more intense when you are moving. In other words, in case you want to pick up something from the ground or you are climbing the stairs fast, the pain will be more intense. In case you have this kind of headache, you should drink more water. These headaches are very common in people who were involved in physical activity that caused intense sweating (loss of water). Whenever you feel this headache, drink water right away. Don’t do this in a rush – drink carefully and slowly.4. Mouth Dryness
A lower amount of saliva accumulation in the mouth leads to a dry mouth. In case you feel dry mouth frequently, you risk damage to the mouth and throat. Mouth dryness is frequently caused by insufficient intake of water. But, taking certain types of pharmaceutical drugs, may lead to decreased saliva production too. This is the reason why you should always have a bottle of water next to you.5. Urine Color
Changes and modifications in the urine’s color can be a clear sign of a lack of water. The urine color is transparent in case you are hydrated well. But, in case you are dehydrated, the urine will have an altered color. That’s why you must begin taking larger quantities of water right away especially when the color of the urine is very dark. Doctors can easily determine how well-hydrated is every patient by the nuance and color of the urine. Brown urine always indicates dehydration. But, keep in mind that people should not consume large quantities of water quickly because they won’t feel very well. It is crucial to drink water slowly because this is the only way for the body to use the water in the right way.6. Feeling of Hunger
In case you feel hungry although you have just finished your meal or if you feel like you can have a snack after a big meal, this means that the body is dehydrated. The reason why you are feeling hungry is simple – the body often mixes thirst and hunger. So, when you feel hungry after the meal, start drinking water and forget the snacks. With the help of water, you will be able to stop the urge for food because you are not actually hungry – you just need water.7. Lightheadedness
There are situations in which people feel lightheadedness and dizziness, but this is not a reason to start panicking. In the majority of cases, this is just a signal from the body that it loses liquids fast and needs more water. Besides dehydration, fluid accumulation in the inner ear can also result in lightheadedness. This is the reason why you should take one glass of water whenever you feel the symptoms. This is a common health condition in professional athletes who are exposed to the sun for a long period of time.8. Chronic Dehydration: Symptoms
In addition, people should know that there are specific symptoms related to chronic dehydration. In addition, people should understand that all these symptoms are often ignored and most people are focused on the more obvious symptoms of dehydration which is wrong. These are some of the symptoms of chronic dehydration:- Premature aging;
- UTI (Urinary Tract Infection);
- Heartburn;
- Constipation;
- Anxiety and/or confusion.
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