We cannot imagine life without water. Every living being on the planet requires it. It helps the body to perform its function properly. Although, keep in mind that water hydrates your body only when used in its pure and original form.
Adequate amounts of water keep health at optimal levels because water adjusts body temperature and boosts digestion. Fresh water flushes toxins out of the body and replenishes the body with fluids.
Remember that juices, tea, energy drinks, coffee, and caffeinated drinks should not be used as water substitutes. They sure are liquids, but it is just not the same as pure water. Moreover, energy drinks and coffee contain caffeine, dehydrating the body. Your body has its own way of telling you when something is wrong. But, if you do not understand what your body is trying to say to you, here is a nice guideline:
- Frequency of urination
If you are healthy, you are likely to urinate 6-7 times a day. However, this number varies in each individual, because not everyone drink the same amount of water. If you urinate 2-3 times a day, consider drinking more water. It is your body telling you that you do not get enough water. Insufficient water intake affects the function of the kidneys, and leads to severe complications, meaning that they will not be able to remove the impurities from your body. Give your body a hand and drink more water.
- Dry skin
Having a healthy skin complexion means drinking lots of water. You cannot expect a nice and smooth skin if you do not drink any water at all. Keep your skin hydrated! This will prevent dryness, plus you will be amazed at how it feels. Having dry skin for a long time means that you are probably dehydrated and your skin is screaming for water. If you use tons of creams and moisturizers, and your skin is still dry, your body lacks water. Drink a glass of water every hour to maintain your hydration at an optimal level. Your skin complexion will improve dramatically, and you will enjoy your smooth and soft skin.
- Headaches
Dehydration is one of the main causes of headaches. Dehydration-induced headaches are different than common headaches. How to make a difference? Headaches caused by dehydration get even more severe as you move. It would be practically impossible to bend down, move fast, climb up and down the stairs. The pain will only get worse. If you get this type of headache quite often, consider replenishing your body with enough water. Once you feel it coming, drink a glass of water immediately. Make sure you sip your water slowly.
- Dry mouth
The lack of saliva results in having a dry mouth. If your mouth is dry for quite a while, you are at a higher risk of experiencing severe damage in your oral cavity and throat. Dry mouth is often triggered by general dehydration. Although, sometimes overuse of medicines may affect the production of saliva. If your mouth is dry non-stop, always have a bottle of water near you.
- Color of the urine
Color changes in your urine often indicate a severe lack of water. If you are well hydrated, your urine should be lightly colored. However, if your body lacks water, your urine will change its color dramatically. Drink more water than you usually do, if your urine is darker. Various urine colors show your level of hydration. If your urine is brown, you are dealing with severe dehydration.
- Hunger
How often do you feel hungry despite the fact that you have already had your meal? If craving was the first thing that crossed your mind, you are wrong. Never confuse hunger with thirst. Instead of snacking a bag of chips, drink a glass of water. You get the feeling of hunger probably because your body sometimes confuses the signals. Therefore, next time you feel like eating something after your lunch, drink a glass of water. It will provide you with a feeling of satiety because there is never hunger at all. It was just your body signalizing that you need some water.
- Dizziness
The lightness in your head should not concern you. This is probably an indicator that your body has lost a great amount of fluids, and it requires water as soon as possible.
Besides dehydration, remember that sometimes fluid buildups in your inner ear may make you dizzy. Drink a glass of water when you starting to feel dizzy. Dizziness is quite regular in athletes who spend most of the day in the sun.
- Symptoms of chronic dehydration
Chronic dehydration is represented through numerous clear symptoms. Most of these symptoms are commonly neglected, and the condition is detected in its already advanced level.
Here are the most common symptoms of chronic dehydration:
- Urinary tract infections
- Premature aging
- Confusion / Anxiety
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Constipation/ Heartburn
