Water is an essential part of life and good health. It helps to flush out toxins, maintain a healthy weight, and produce body fluids. However, not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration and a variety of adverse symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, weakened immunity, and dry skin. Here are seven signs that indicate you may need to start drinking more water to benefit from better health.
Bad Breath - Water is essential for the production of saliva and helps eliminate bacteria to keep teeth and gums healthy. A lack of water inhibits the production of saliva and causes bacteria to build up on the tongue, teeth and gums, contributing to bad breath. If you practice good oral hygiene but are still suffering from chronic bad breath, you may not be drinking enough water. Make an appointment with your doctor if bad breath persists after increasing water intake to rule out other underlying causes.
Fatigue - Not drinking enough water can cause a general loss of fluids in the body. This loss of fluid can cause a decrease in blood volume that puts excessive pressure on the heart to supply oxygen and nutrients to organs, including muscles. A lack of water can cause periods of fatigue and lack of energy as the body tries to function without enough water. If you're constantly feeling lazy and tired despite getting a good night's sleep, you may need to increase your water intake.
Weakened Immunity - Water helps eliminate toxins, wastes and bacteria from the body to fight diseases and infections, as well as strengthening the immune system so that you get sick less often. If it seems like you're always getting sick, you may need to start drinking more water to keep your body free of toxins and functioning at an optimal level.
Constipation
- Water promotes good digestion and regular bowel movements by keeping stools soft and moving them easily through the digestive tract. Not drinking enough water can cause the body to draw water from the stool to compensate for fluid loss, making stools harder and firmer, which are more difficult to expel.If your stools are irregular and infrequent, try drinking more water to loosen your stools and relieve constipation and bloating.
Dehydration
- Dehydration is quite common and can be caused by factors such as illness, the use of medications, extreme exercise, or simply insufficient fluid intake. Maintaining the necessary daily water intake can prevent you from eating aimlessly during the day and also help you maintain a healthy weight.Dry Skin
- Not drinking enough water can cause dry skin due to dehydration.Dry skin can lead to wrinkles, itching, flaking, redness, or even eczema. Drinking plenty of water helps keep skin hydrated and looking youthful.
Headaches
- Dehydration can cause headaches due to a lack of fluids in the body. If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, try increasing your water intake before taking medication.Drinking plenty of water can help reduce headaches caused by dehydration. The amount of water you need each day depends on many factors, so it's best to check with your healthcare provider to determine exactly how much will keep you healthy.
