You’d think that since our bodies are made up of more than 70% water we wouldn’t need to drink as much as our doctors recommend (eight 8-ounce glasses daily), but that’s simply not the case. We lose water by the most mundane activities, including breathing, talking, and laughing, so it’s important that we replenish any liquid lost.
If you’ve experienced any of the following 15 symptoms, your body may be telling you to drink more water:
1. Extended Sickness
The toxins inside of us are expelled through the waste we secrete. Waste can only be shot out of our bodies if we have enough fluid to transport it to the toilet. However, reduced water levels will allow the toxins to set up base in our organs for much longer so shooing away viruses and bacteria becomes increasingly more difficult.
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2. Dark Urine
The shade of our urine can be an indicator of a number of different health conditions, from urinary tract infections to liver problems. But the color most associated with urine – dark yellow – is actually a sign that you’re not maintaining healthy hydration levels. Dark yellow pee is more concentrated since our bodies cannot afford to expel water to dilute the chemical compounds and toxins, giving it a darker, unhealthier hue. Clear to bright yellow urine means you’re drinking enough.
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3. Sporadic Headaches
Although the link between dehydration and headaches is currently unknown, scientists believe that when our body’s water level drops to dangerously low levels, our blood volume will soon follow suit which restricts the amount of blood flowing to our noggins. This, in turn, causes our blood vessels to expand which can lead to headaches, lightheadedness, and even vertigo.
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4. Charley Horses
When was the last time you were jolted awake in the middle of the night from a sudden muscle spasm wreaking havoc on your calf? Well, if you want to prevent this horrific pain ever again, you need to consume more water. Charley hoses are increasingly more common in athletes who overuse a single muscle, but it can even occur in people who lack physical activity as well as hydration.
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5. Hunger after Eating
The part of our brain that lets us know that our tummies require nourishment is the same part that’s telling us that we’re thirsty. If you find yourself feeling hungry moments after eating a hearty meal, your brain might confusing thirst with hunger. Don’t fall for seconds or thirds; instead, fill up on water and check whether your stomach’s still a-rumblin’.
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6. Digestive Problems
Even though you may not want to hear it, the insides of our bodies require mucus as a natural lubricant to keep things moving smoothly. This is especially true for our digestive systems which are lined with mucus. Not having enough water will thin it down, possibly leading to major internal damage as our stomach acid slowly penetrates the thin lining.
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7. Constipation
Following the previous point, water which strengthens the mucus lining throughout our digestive system will keep… things flowing smoothly. Without proper hydration, our colons won’t be fully lubricated and allow waste to pass painlessly. The result is an uncomfortable feeling that can last for days. Before taking constipation medicine, try and consume more water. If the problem persists, you may need to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
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8. Lack of Sweat during Heat or Physical Activity
Sweating, though smelly and socially unacceptable, is a necessary bodily function to keep us from overheating. Obviously, we sweat when it’s hot or after running a marathon, but what if you don’t have enough water in your system to spend on cooling down? Without water, we don’t sweat, and when we don’t sweat, we can pass out due to heat exhaustion. Drink more water!
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9. Joint Pain
The cartilage between our joints and spinal discs are made up of 80% water. They need a constant stream of water to stay properly lubricated. Without water, the cartilage can deteriorate or lose its elasticity, leaving us with aching, cracking joints. Drinking more water can help our joints absorb shock much more effectively.
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10. Decreased Muscle Mass
To gain muscle mass, you need to consume more water. Our muscles, like almost everything else in our bodies, are almost entirely comprised of water, and thus need to be thoroughly hydrated to expand and contract. For those of you who lift, drinking water before, during, and after working out will help bring water to all the right parts of your body while effectively reducing the risk of inflammation.
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11. Ashy Skin
Similar to the previous point, consuming water will help our bodies in producing oils which keep our skin soft and supple. Without H2O, you’re putting your skin at risk of becoming overly dry, possibly leading to cracking, wrinkles, and an ashy appearance. And believe us when we tell you that moisturizers and lotions will do nothing in the long term if you don’t maintain proper water intake.
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12. Fatigue
When you don’t drink enough water, your body will start to look for water from other sources. One such source is our blood. When this occurs, the amount of oxygen flowing through our blood is significantly reduced, causing midday sleepiness and possibly fatigue.
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13. Weight Gain
Perhaps the most surprising thing about water consumption is that you can actually gain weight and not from increased muscle mass (see point 10). Drinking a 500-milliliter glass of water can boost our metabolism by upwards of 30%. This is the main reason why dietitians recommend consuming more water while simultaneously cutting empty calories from your diet.
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14. Mood Swings
Got the blues? Try drinking a glass of water. Scientist found that even the slightest hint of dehydration – less than 1% below optimal hydration levels – can cause neurological changes that alter the way we think and behave. So the next time you feel like dumping all of your problems on an innocent bystander, don’t grab a candy bar; drink water instead.
