8 Signs That Warn You That You Are Not Drinking Enough Water

Aug 30, 2018 by apost team

On average, the adult human body is made up of around 65% water. To put that in perspective, the average amount of blood in the adult human body is only about 7% of their body weight. Everyday activities, not to mention strenuous exertion, can quickly deplete the body’s water storage through sweat and urination and lead to signs and symptoms of dehydration if enough water isn’t consumed and replaced. 

Water requirements vary by age, activity, weight, and lifestyle, but a good rule of thumb to follow is eight full eight-ounce glasses per day. To stave off dehydration, some less active, smaller people may require a little less. Meanwhile, more active people may require more. 

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Dehydration affects the body on a widespread level, and, unattended, it can even lead to death. One of the best ways to know how much water you should drink each day is by simply following the signals  your body gives off as it enters dehydration. 

When it comes to headaches, dehydration can worsen existing headaches and cause some pretty severe ones on its own. Our brains are around 80% water. So, dehydration affects the brain hard and fast. The lack of water supply  causes a restricted flow of oxygenated blood to the brain, which can cause swelling and dilation of the blood vessels. It also causes the brain to shrink and draw away from the skull, which triggers pain receptors. 

The lack of oxygenated blood flow and shrinking of the brain contributes to neurological symptoms of confusion, disorientation, dizziness, moodiness, irritability, and general lack of mental acuity. As you rehydrate, you’ll see your focus, mood, and concentration begin to improve. 

Your lips, nose, mouth, airway, and eyes are lined with mucus membranes that secrete mucus to protect and moisturize. Without enough water, mucus membranes dry out and can cause dried mouth, lips, eyes, skin, and airway. Hydrated skin looks healthy and pink. If you’re wondering why your skin lacks luster, your mouth is dry and breath smells bad, your nose bleeds frequently, and your eyes feel dry, you may need to increase your water intake. 

Your metabolism needs water to burn off fat. Without enough water, your metabolism slows down to conserve food and water supplies. The hypothalamus sends a signal to your tummy to growl for substance, but, during dehydration, that substance isn’t actually food your body is craving - it’s urging you to drink water. 

Normal urine is a pale yellow color. Overly hydrated urine is clear. Dehydrated urine is dark amber because it has more toxins and waste than it does liquid to dilute it. Dehydration also makes you void less often and in less amounts. Do keep in mind that you might not even sweat when you’re dehydrated, which can be very dangerous since sweating is like your body’s built-in internal air conditioning. Dehydration and heat stroke often accompany one another. 

UTIs are most often caused by bacteria in the urinary tract. Proper hydration helps move that bacteria on out of the body. Dehydration, however, allows the bacteria to stick around and create urinary tract and bladder infections. 

Speaking of storage, dehydration causes your body to go into survival mode for energy, too. It starts to store up energy like it does food. Your blood circulation slows and you feel lethargy take over as your brain and large muscle groups aren’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood to perform big tasks. Eventually, with continued dehydration, even mundane tasks will be too exhaustive. 

Large muscles aren’t getting a steady and hearty supply of oxygenated blood. All the above has signaled that your vital organs must get the bulk of any hydration and blood sources. The weakened muscles can cramp and spasm as a result. 

As you can see, dehydration takes a huge toll on everything from your skin to your muscles. Listen to the cues your body is sending you so that you can drink enough water and avoid dehydration. Do you get enough water? Have you ever experienced dehydration? Know someone who frequently doesn’t get enough water? Pass this on so that they can look out for the signs.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!