Ten signs that you are not drinking enough water

With summer hovering over us, we need to ensure that we drink the required amount of water to stay hydrated and healthy. Water is vital to keep the body functioning normally. Dehydration is dangerous, and constantly being dehydrated is hazardous for health. We need to ensure that we drink water from time to time during hot weather. 

10 Signs of dehydration

Constant Headaches A common sign of dehydration is experiencing constant headaches. When the body does not receive enough water, there is a decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, causing it to be inflamed, leading to headaches. In this case, rehydrating yourself will help lessen the intensity of headaches.

Persistent bad breath Saliva is responsible for washing away the harmful bacteria present in our mouths. Not drinking enough water can lower saliva production, which leads to the growth of bacteria in your mouth and causes bad breath. Hence, bad breath is one of the main signs that your body is not receiving enough water.

Reduced Urination When your body is not hydrated, it will start to retain water, leading to reduced urination. The body releases toxins in the form of urination, and fewer visits to the restroom mean that these toxins are not being exerted from your body which can be very harmful. The urine color will be darker, and the odor will be stronger since it will contain a concentrated amount of toxins. 

Fatigue Dehydration can also cause lethargy and fatigue. If the body does not receive water in the proper quantity, the oxygen supply and blood circulation to the body will decrease. A drop in oxygen supply can only make you feel tired and lethargic. Drinking a glass of water can help you feel fresher and provide oxygen to your body.

Poor concentration Low concentration or finding it challenging to focus might be connected to insufficient water intake. Inadequate hydration can cause difficulty in remembering and communicating. The oxygen supply to the brain is also decreased when the body does not receive enough water, making it hard for people to focus on tasks and reduce their concentration.

Constipation Not receiving enough water can easily lead to constipation. Like fiber being a vital nutrient to keep the digestive system healthy, water, too, is essential for healthy bowel movement. Water softens the stool and makes it easier to pass through. Being dehydrated can cause hardening of the stool and ultimately result in constipation. 

Dry skin Sweating excretes the dirt and toxins from the body, but we don't sweat as much when the body does not receive enough water. This results in the accumulation of toxins and causes the skin to break out. The skin is the largest organ that needs a good amount of water to keep it hydrated and healthy. Drinking the required amount of water keeps the skin hydrated and prevents acne.

Joint pain The cartilage is made up of 80% water. Water is essential to ensure that our joints absorb the shock from sudden moments. Lack of water causes the bones to grind against each other and leads to an ache in the joints.

Food cravings Food cravings are also a common sign of dehydration. One especially starts craving salty or sugary foods to provide energy when they are dehydrated. This, most of the time, is a sign that your body needs water. Most of the time, your body confuses food cravings with thirst, and drinking a tall glass of water will help reduce these cravings.

Weight gain One is very likely to gain weight when one starts feeling hungry due to dehydration and indulging in cravings. Dehydration is also said to reduce or slow down metabolism. On the other hand, it is noted that drinking water 30 minutes before a meal increases metabolism and reduces the number of calories one eats.