10 signs you are not drinking enough water

 The human body is made up of 60% water. This is crucial to maintain proper bodily functions and metabolic processes. However, you will lose water through sweat, urination, and even breathing. As such, you must regularly drink sufficient amounts of water to remain hydrated.

 

 

 

Not drinking enough water can lead to extreme fatigue, headache, digestive problems, besides a general feeling of dehydration. Chronic dehydration can also weaken your immune system. With this in mind, we have put together a list of 21 signs that show you may not be drinking enough water.

 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then increasing your daily water intake is recommended as a first step.

 

Signs You’re Not Drinking Enough Water

 

Since water is so crucial to our bodily functions, a lack of it can cause myriad problems. Here are some of the most common signs of dehydration which signals that you need to drink more water

 

1. Constantly Thirsty

 

First, let’s go over the telltale sign of dehydration, feeling thirsty. You might even feel overly thirsty that doesn’t seem to go away with a simple sip or gulp of water. Your body is trying to tell you that it has been deprived of an adequate amount of water from some time now, and you should quench this thirst as soon as possible.

 

2. Persistent Bad Breath

 

By being properly hydrated, you help your salivary glands produce more saliva which in turn helps rinse away bacteria from your mouth. When you become dehydrated, saliva production is limited, which helps bacteria to grow in your gums, and in between your teeth. This can lead to chronic bad breath.

 

3. Reduced Urination/Dark Urine

 

Your kidneys need water to properly function and flush out the toxins present in your system. Without sufficient water intake, your kidneys will retain more water which will lead to decreased urination. Not only that, but the next time you urinate, it will contain a concentrated amount of toxins which will make it darker in colour and produce a stronger odour.

 

4. Constant Hunger Pangs and Sugar Cravings

 

Without proper water intake, your body will experience trouble producing energy from its glucose stores. As a result, you will start feeling hunger pangs and start craving sugary foods like chocolate, cookies, candies, and so on. If this is happening to you, i.e. if you are feeling hungry even after eating, then it might be a sign that you are dehydrated.

 

5. Weight Gain

 

This follows from the last point. If drinking less water makes you more hungry, then it can also lead to weight gain. Furthermore, being dehydrated lowers your metabolic rate, which also factors into weight gain.

 

6. Poor Skin Health

 

If you are dehydrated, your skin cells will also not have sufficient water. This means that your skin will start looking dry, less elastic, flaky and might even lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and slight sagging of skin. Also, since water helps remove toxins from your system, a lack of it means a build-up of toxins which can lead to acne and pimples.

 

7. Digestive Problems/Constipation

 

Water promotes a healthy digestive system and smooth travel of food through your digestive tract. It also keeps your stool soft, which makes it easy to pass. Being dehydrated will lead to a harder stool and slow down its passage through your system. This will lead to infrequent constipated bowel movements as well as bloating and gas.

 

8. Dry Mouth and Chapped Lips

 

All of us know that awful sensation when the inside of the mouth turns sticky and dry. However, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that it is a result of dehydration or improper water intake. The same goes for dry chapped lips that get easily cracked. These are often early signs of dehydration, which can be resolved by increasing the daily water intake.

 

9. Dry Eyes

 

Without water, your tear ducts will begin to dry up and won’t be able to moisten your eyes. As a result, your eyes will become irritated and bloodshot red. Having dry eyes isn’t a pleasant feeling, and can be easily avoided if you frequently drink the recommended amount of water.

 

10. Muscle Cramps

 

Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration. And if your body doesn’t have enough water to produce any more sweat, then it can lead to muscle aches. You see, the body sweats to cool itself. So if you are present in a hot environment and dehydrated, then that heat is going to affect your muscles which will lead to severe muscle cramps.