Staying Healthy with Water: 10 Signs You Might Be Dehydrated

by Oasis Wellness Partners on June 29, 2020      

How much water are you really drinking each day? We are told to drink 8 glasses of 8 oz of water a day. That’s 64 ounces at a minimum. Are you meeting that goal? Hydration is critically important to our health. Water makes up around 75% of our bodies and it is used in countless crucial functions throughout the body. Water acts as an important catalyst for a number of chemical reactions (including working as an enzyme in order to aid with the digestion of food) and forms the basis of everything from neurotransmitters to our blood.

If you aren’t getting enough water, this will affect nearly every part of your body – from your skin and hair to your teeth and nails. And you’ll feel unwell: lacking energy, in a bad mood and generally not functioning optimally. In this post, we will take a look at the important role of water in your health and visit some of the signs that you may be dehydrated:

Headaches

The pain in your head is your body telling you “I need water.” Dehydration can lower blood flow and oxygen to your brain, causing inflammation. If you’re feeling discomfort from a headache, try drinking water before reaching for aspirin or other pain relievers.

Muscle Cramps & Joint Pain

Water plays an integral role in your muscles and joints. Not having enough water in the body causes muscle mass to decrease and causes inflammation or soreness. Similar to your muscles, joints require water to absorb the shock of sudden movements, such as tripping or running.

Weight Gain

Yes, weight gain is a side effect of dehydration. If you’re not drinking enough water, it can be easy to gain weight. Why? When water is in short supply, your metabolism slows down and prevents your body from burning fat.

Lack of Energy

Are you feeling meh, or lethargic? Your body may be craving water. Your body tends to store energy when dehydrated and decrease blood circulation throughout the body, reducing energy.

Spacey

Drink plenty of water to avoid bouts of confusion and dizziness. Keep your morning going storng by drinking a glass of water every hour or so. The goal is to avoid afternoon crashes.

Dry Eyes, Mouth and Skin

Throughout the day, your body is losing much needed fluids and electrolytes to stay active. Without water, your skin experiences a lack of moisture; your eyes experience a decrease in tear production and the mouth loses the ability to produce saliva. Avoid all this discomfort by drinking steadily.

Eating Salty Foods

Keep away from the chips! The salt cravings your experiencing is your body telling you need the right kind of sodium to control your electrolytes. These mineral salts help retain the water your body needs to function. If dehydrated, your body immediately craves salty snacks and sugary drinks that serve no nutritional purpose. Instead, have a glass of water and some carrots and hummus to give your body what it really needs.

Stomach Pain

Too often people suffer from digestive problems, constipation or even loose stools as a result of not drinking enough water. It’s important to keep everything woring right by being hydrated.

Colorful Urine

This is a classic sign of water deprivation. If your body is dehydrated, the waste inside is harder to flush out. Aim to drink plenty of water to help eliminate toxins and produce a clearer, lighter shade of urine.

Not Sweating Enough

Yes, it’s possible when you’re dehydrated to undersweat. It’s common for most people to sweat during a workout. Sweat keeps your body temperature regulated. If there is not enough water in the body, it makes it challenging to maintain proper body temperature and can lead to heatstroke.

No matter how busy the day gets, remember water is a must for everyone. The next time you feel tired or are suffering from body pain, treat yourself to a tall glass of delicious water. Your body will thank you for it.

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