Signs You're Not Drinking Enough Water

Believe it or not, the most common ailments—headaches, fatigue, bowel issues, dizziness—often arise due to the same underlying reason; DEHYDRATION. According to research, an association can be established between fluid intake and physical performance, cognitive performance, gastrointestinal function, kidney function, heart function, headaches, skin woes, and a lot more. 

"Water is essential for the normal functioning of our bodies. Fall in the fluid content may be due to diarrhoea, excessive urination, vomiting, diabetes mellitus, or simply poor intake of water, all of which can lead to dehydration. And severe dehydration resulting from continued fluid losses or lack of water consumption may result in the requirement of intravenous fluids," Dr Basavaraj Kuntoji, Consultant Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals. 

Nutritionist and Holistic Wellness Coach, Karishma Shah adds, "A chemical combination of hydrogen and oxygen is essential for our cellular and physiological functioning. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the body requires water to function, and water also maintains the body temperature, removes waste, and lubricates our joints. In fact, many individuals believe that H2O can be replaced with other fluids such as coffee, tea, juice, and aerated drinks; however, that is entirely untrue. By relying on alternative fluids for hydration, one may end up dehydrating themselves further."

Our body talks to us—signals us to get back on track—but we often tend to ignore these signs. Listed below are a few common health concerns you may be facing today, all of which could be a result of dehydration. Let's find out: 

 

Skin Health

 

Yup, not just the insides of your body, but dehydration impact your skin as well. "Our skin is the largest organ of the body and its health depends on cell rejuvenation. If you regularly experience dryness, chapped and flaky skin, and frequent breakouts, it could be due to improper water consumption and removal of toxins from the body," posits Shah. 

 

Constipation

 

Water is an essential component in our elimination pathways and staying hydrated helps lubricate the digestive system and assists in routine metabolic processes. Therefore, being dehydrated is likely to increase the transit time and result in constipation. Plus, our metabolic rate lowers due to insufficient water intake and we end up feeling more hungry. These factors may contribute to weight gain as well.

 

Inflammation and Fatigue

 

Karishma adds, "All cellular functions in the body require water; it is key in regulating and maintaining proper balance. Hence, inadequate levels of water in the body can make us feel tired, fatigued, and lethargic. At the same time, dehydration can give way to inflammation—in the form of allergies, joint pain, hives, as well as an exacerbated digestive system inflammatory disease. Our cells need enough water to thrive and sustain, and an inadequate amount can lead to serious repercussions."

 

According to Dr Kuntoji, other telltale signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, chapped lips and a dry tongue, generalised weakness, dark coloured urine, decreased urine output, and dizziness. On the other hand, severe dehydration can be associated with more serious signs such as impaired consciousness, increased heart rate, fall in blood pressure, sunken eyes, and decreased skin turgor. 

Thereby, one must ensure that they are well hydrated to maintain optimal body fluid status and promote the healthy functioning of all bodily systems and processes.