The human body consists of 60% water. It is very important for the normal functioning of the body and metabolic processes. However, you will lose water through sweat, urination, and breathing. Therefore, you should drink enough water regularly to stay hydrated.
Not drinking enough water can generally lead to dehydration, extreme fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems. Chronic dehydration weakens your immune system. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 21 signs you’re not drinking enough water.
If you experience any of these symptoms, the first step is to increase your daily water intake.
Signs you’re not drinking enough water
Water is so important to our body’s functions that its lack can cause many problems. Here are the most common signs of dehydration that indicate you need to drink more water
- Constant thirst
First, let’s look at the symptoms of dehydration and thirst. You may feel so thirsty that even a single sip or swallow of water won’t quench your thirst. Your body is trying to tell you that it hasn’t had enough water for a while, so you need to quench this thirst as soon as possible. - Persistent bad smell
Staying hydrated helps your salivary glands produce more saliva, which kills bacteria in your mouth. When you’re dehydrated, saliva production is limited, which helps bacteria grow in the gums and between teeth. This can lead to chronic bad breath. - Diminished urine/dark urine
Your kidneys need water to function properly and flush toxins from your system. If you don’t drink enough water, more water will accumulate in your kidneys and you’ll urinate less. Not only that, the next time you urinate, it contains more toxins, becomes darker in color and smells stronger. - Constant hunger and cravings for sugar
If you don’t consume enough water, your body will have trouble making energy from glucose stores. As a result, you’ll be hungry and crave sweet foods like chocolate, cookies, and candies. If this happens to you, meaning you’re still hungry after eating, it’s a sign that you’re dehydrated.
Read: How Drinking Water Helps Lower Blood Sugar
- Weight gain
Gain weight
This stems from the last point. Drinking less water can lead to weight gain if it increases hunger. Furthermore, dehydration slows down the metabolic rate, which contributes to weight gain. - Poor skin health
If you’re dehydrated, your skin cells don’t have enough water. This means your skin will become dry, less elastic, wrinkled and a little saggy. Water helps flush toxins out of your system, so a lack of it can lead to a build-up of toxins and pimples and acne. - Digestive problems/Constipation
Digestive problems
Water keeps the digestive system healthy and aids digestion. It also softens your stool and makes it easier to pass. Dehydration can harden stools and slow their passage through your system. This can lead to persistent constipation, bloating and flatulence. - Dry mouth and chapped lips
We all know the dreaded feeling of sticky, dry mouth. However, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that this is the result of dehydration or improper water intake. So are dry, chapped lips that crack easily. These are often the first signs of dehydration and can be remedied by increasing your daily water intake. - Dry eyes
Without water, tear ducts dry up and cannot moisturize the eyes. As a result, your eyes will be irritated and bloodshot. Dry eyes are not a pleasant feeling and can easily be avoided if you drink the recommended amount of water regularly. - Pull the muscles
Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration. If your body doesn’t have enough water to sweat again, it can lead to sore muscles. You see, the body sweats to cool itself down. So if you’re in a hot environment and you’re dehydrated, that heat can affect your muscles and cause muscle stiffness. - Muscle and joint pain
Muscle contractions
Did you know that our cartilage is made up of 80% water? Therefore, without water, cartilage weakens, bones stick together, and muscles and joints ache.
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