Since about 60 percent of the human body is water, we need to stay hydrated to do all of the things our bodies need done. Your brain and cells need a lot of water and water helps with everything else in your health also.
Drink water and certain foods, such as cucumbers, watermelon, bell peppers and tomatoes, can help your body stay hydrated. However, many people are not drinking enough daily and are even drinking dehydrating sources, like sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol.
So, what happens when you drink too little? Here are 10 unpleasant side effects that might occur if you don’t drink enough.
Low Energy
When you are dehydrated, your energy levels might plummet, making it easier to forget important things or get tired to work. This afternoon slump will hit even harder and make it harder to continue on until evening. I recommend keeping a water bottle on hand to remind you every day to consistently drink throughout the day.
Mental Fog
Drinking enough keeps your brain sharp, and a study in the Nutrients journal found that drinking water can prevent memory decline and drowsiness. If you’re feeling fuzzy and spacing out, drink some water and see if it helps.
Increase Risk of Stroke
Research has shown that having too little water can increase your risk of strokes, reduce recovery time, and lead to oxygen deprivation. To keep your heart in tip-top shape, pay attention to your pee color and the amount of water you’re drinking. If your pee looks dark yellow or you feel faint, drink some water immediately!
Moody
Dehydration can lead to irritability, drowsiness and headaches. According to a report by the University of Connecticut, their cognitive testing led to mood changes in both men and women but it was especially prevalent in women. Maybe hydrate!
Overeating
Thirst often leads to hunger, so it makes sense that a drink would help you better distinguish what your body needs and fuel it with foods. These cues can include headaches, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, faintness and more.
Slow Down Metabolism
Dehydration is a common health issue that causes a slowdown in metabolic rate and energy levels. Drinking enough of water can help give your body what it needs to function.
Headaches
Your brain needs water, but being dehydrated can cause headaches and fatigue. Drink lots of water before you start taking medication for a headache, then rest, for the headache to go away.
Damage Skin
People need to drink water for skin health, as dehydration can lead to wrinkles and breakouts. Hydrates are needed to make your skin look soft and supple. Your regular skincare routine should be in place with moisturizers and cleansers.
Weaker Workouts
Not drinking enough water might lead to muscle cramping and reduced fat burning during a workout. This can be solved by drinking enough of the liquid before, during, and after a HIIT session. A study from Physiological Reports states that an individual’s body burns fewer calories than it would need to when deprived of water.
Gain Weight
Gradual weight gain can lead to various serious health effects in the long-term. This is especially true when it affects the belly region, which can put you at greater risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions. Water is a great substitute for sugary beverages or other high-calorie drinks. It’s filling, so it can help you feel less hungry between meals and snacks. This is not a replacement for a meal; this should be used as an alternative when you’re thirsty and need an extra drink during the day.
Conclusion
Keeping your body stay hydrated is very important and one simple thing can help you with that is the gallon water bottle.
