Why is it so difficult to follow this simple and essential habit for our health? A lack of hydration is easily felt on our body and our mood. Here are 10 obvious signs that you are not drinking enough water.
1. You have a headache
Few people think about it, but a headache can often be caused by dehydration. The brain is 70% water. If you don’t hydrate, your body will retain water from all your tissues, including the brain, in order to make up for the lack. This process will cause a lack of oxygen to your brain, so you will suffer from headaches or blood pressure drops.
2. You can’t concentrate
This symptom is directly related to the first. If your brain lacks water, it works in slow motion and you have more difficulty performing everyday tasks. As in the previous example, your dehydrated body will economize and therefore draw on your energy, which of course makes you tired. Like a car, you simply run out of fuel. Fortunately, your body takes little time to regenerate, so just drink plenty of water and the fatigue will be short-lived.
3. You dread your bathroom
Do you have trouble going to the bathroom? If you are regularly constipated, you may also suffer from a lack of water. Your intestines need water. Without it, the stools do not soften easily, become hard, and the intestinal transit becomes complicated. Impossible to go to the throne. Against this, we drink.
4. You are irritable
Lack of water increases sensitivity in general and makes us more nervous, in the same way as when we are hungry. You may feel confused and nervous. Lack of water increases our sensitivity and makes us more susceptible and easily irritated.
5. You blink often
If you don’t have enough water, your tear ducts dry up, causing your eyeball to become dry. Your eyes also become red. This symptom gets worse if you wear contacts. Of course, this can be due to other causes, such as screen time, for example. But try to stay hydrated first and see if you feel an improvement.
6. You have joint pain
Cartilage and intervertebral discs are composed of about 80% water. Water preserves the cartilage between your joints and contributes to less wear. Thus, a lack of water can cause arthritis. Hydrated cartilage is smooth and glides perfectly, absorbing the shock of sudden movements such as when you run or fall. When cartilage is dehydrated, it hardens and becomes rough, and each movement triggers inflammation and thus the onset of osteoarthritis.
7. You are very thirsty
This seems to go without saying. But what is important to remember is that you should not wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. If you dream of throwing yourself on a bottle, or if you start taking big gulps, you are already well dehydrated. So keep a water bottle handy at all times to remind you to take a few sips of water at different times of the day.
8. You are hungry and have digestive problems
Hunger can sometimes be triggered by the sensation of thirst. Moreover, drinking helps to create a feeling of satiety and therefore to eat less. Moreover, when you are dehydrated, your digestive system works a little more slowly, which can lead to heartburn or indigestion.
9. You have a dry mouth
This one is the most obvious. It is the first sign of dehydration. If your mouth is dry and your saliva is produced in smaller quantities, drink a large glass of water. A quick reminder: don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. If you feel thirsty, your body is already too dehydrated.
The trick to avoid running dry: always carry a bottle of water (preferably a zero waste water bottle to preserve our beautiful planet, but do what you can!)
10. You have cramps
Ouch, the cramps! Many of these brutal muscular contractions, more or less painful, have their origin in a simple lack of water. In a dehydrated body, cramps become more pronounced, especially after a sports session. You should always drink before and after exercise. For cramps that appear after a rest or a night’s sleep, it is also recommended to drink regularly.
Warning !
We don’t give any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with your physician or seek medical attention before making any health or food-related decisions.
This article is about some simple general health or food tips that you can find everywhere on the internet, not about some deep professional advice.
