6 warning signs your body is lacking water

Water makes up about two-thirds of your body weight, and a person cannot survive without water for more than a few days. Every cell, organ and tissue in the body depends on water. It plays very important roles.

Without water, your body would stop functioning properly. Hence, it is important to keep your body hydrated. To stay hydrated, drink fluids and eat foods rich in water content.

At times, your body may lose water more than usual. This can occur due to vigorous physical activity, excessive sweating, diarrhoea, vomiting, diabetes and frequent urination. This causes an electrolyte imbalance in your body, leading to dehydration and making it difficult for your body to function at its best.

Many people are unaware when their body lacks adequate water. Understanding the signs of dehydration will help you know when you need to boost your water intake.

Here are the top 10 warning signs that indicate your body lacks water.

1. Headaches and Light headedness: Headaches and light headedness are some of the possible signs that your body lacks water. A drop in your body’s hydration level leads to a reduced amount of fluid surrounding your brain, which protects it from mild bumps and movement. This triggers nagging headaches as well as migraines. Furthermore, dehydration reduces the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain. When suffering from a headache, instead of reaching for a pill, drink a glass of water. If the headache is due to dehydration, it will go away soon.

2. Brain Fog or Poor Concentration: As the human brain is made up of approximately 90 per cent water, it definitely shows signs when dehydrated. Lack of water in the brain can affect your decision making, memory and mood. Dehydration can even cause symptoms of brain fog, such as forgetfulness and difficulty focusing, thinking and communicating.

Read also: 8 health benefits of lime water

3. Bad Breath and Dry Mouth: Bad breath is another sign that your body lacks water. Due to lack of water, your body produces less saliva, which contains antibacterial properties. This leads to an excess growth of bacteria in the mouth, causing bad or stinky breath. Along with bad breath, you can have a dry mouth. Water works like a lubricant, which keeps the mucus membranes moist in the throat, thus preventing dry mouth.

4. Constipation and Other Digestive Issues: Water helps lubricate the digestive system and keeps the digestive tract flexible and clean. This helps keep your bowel movements regular and prevent constipation.
Plus, excessive fluid loss due to diarrhoea or vomiting may also harden the stools and lead to constipation. Lack of water in the body can even cause heartburn and indigestion.

5. Sudden Food Cravings: The next time you have sudden hunger pangs or food craving; drink a glass of water before grabbing a snack. When dehydrated, your body sends false signals to your brain that you are hungry, when actually you are thirsty. Craving a salty treat can be due to loss of water and electrolytes in the body. Some people experience cravings for something sweet. This happens when your body experiences difficulty with glycogen production. In this case, opt for fruits like watermelon, papaya or berries that are sweet as well as high in water content.

6. Reduced Urination and Change in Colour: Believe it or not, if you are not using the restroom every few hours, your body is probably lacking water. A healthy amount of water intake results in regular urination, about four to seven times a day. As your body releases toxins through urination, not urinating at regular intervals can be problematic. Also, keep an eye on the colour of your urine. It is an important indicator of your hydration level. Clear or light-coloured urine indicates a well-hydrated body, while dark yellow or amber-coloured urine indicates concentrated urine and is usually a sign that your body lacks water.

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