Warning Signs That Your Body Desperately Needs More Water

Dean Vaksman

Writer,

The term “dehydration” sounds very serious. You think it has nothing to do with you. It would only happen in poor countries or severe disasters like earthquakes right? No. Dehydration is way too common than most people think.

75% of Americans[1] are chronically dehydrated and don’t even know it. And even mild dehydration can affect our bodies and how we feel a lot. Think about this. “60 percent of our bodies is composed of water, 75 percent in our muscles, 85 percent in our brains, it’s like oil to a machine,” said Dr. Roberta Lee from Clear Lake Regional Medical Centre.

When you’re feeling unwell, quite often it might be the result of dehydration. Check the signs below and you’ll be surprised that how dehydrated your body often is and how some of the annoying health issues can actually be resolved so easily.

1. Fatigue

You’re tired at work, and tired at home. After a good night’s sleep, you still feel tired. Why?

If you feel constantly tired, you should really consider the possibility that you are actually dehydrated.

Dehydration causes your enzymatic activity to slow down, which causes your body to produce less potential energy for your future benefit.

2. Chronic constipation

You feel bloated. Plus bad breath. But nothing comes out. Apart from having more fibre in your diet, you also need to check if you’re drinking enough water.

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of chronic constipation. When you don’t drink enough water, the waste in your intestine becomes so dry that it is hard to get through.

3. Headache

As 85% of water in our bodies is in our brains, when you don’t drink enough water, your brain reacts immediately.

Your brain is surrounded by a protective layer of water, which encompasses the entirety of your brain. Low or complete lack of water intake causes this layer to evaporate. This depletion can cause your brain to push against your skull, leading to painful headaches.

Tips

All of these unfavorable symptoms can be avoided, or at least moderated, by regular consumption of water. Here are a few tips on how to actually do so:

• Drink two glasses of water right after you get up. Starting your day with this will not only make you feel refreshed but also aids your digestion.
• Buy a personal water bottle and carry it with you. Make sure to buy one that will actually be comfortable for you to use and carry with you.
• Consume water-based foods. Examples are cucumbers, grapefruits, and, of course, watermelon.
• Download a water consumption tracking app. There are a number of these on the market. Just take your pick.