When you lead an active lifestyle, you likely understand the importance of remaining hydrated. You probably take a drink bottle with you everywhere you go and sip throughout the day. However, activity levels and weather conditions fluctuate, and dehydration can be a genuine concern. You might not be drinking enough water to remain sufficiently hydrated if you notice some of these symptoms.
Your Skin Is Dry
You might ask, ‘how much water should you drink in a day’ when you notice that your skin is constantly dry, with not even lotion enough to help it retain its lustre. Our bodies consist of up to 60% water, and if we lose water by not replenishing it, our skin can feel dry, scaly, flaky, and tight. If you don’t think you’ll remember to drink more water to improve your skin’s condition, set an alarm or download an app that sends reminders to your mobile device.
You Have a Headache
While many things can cause headaches, such as stress, tiredness, and eyestrain, you might even experience headaches or migraines when you’re dehydrated. Dehydration can cause and exacerbate headache disorders, and studies show that prevention of dehydration can sometimes be the best treatment.
Constipation
When you lead an active lifestyle and eat nutritious meals, you might assume that your bowel movements will be regular. However, water can sometimes be a vital missing component. Your bowel can sometimes suffer when you don’t drink enough fluids or consume plenty of high-fibre foods. If you’re experiencing constipation, drink more water and alter your diet. You might notice a change in toileting frequency. If you don’t, consult a medical professional for advice.
Weight Gain
Watching the scales go up can be frustrating if you eat well and exercise regularly. While many things can contribute to weight gain, not drinking enough water might be one of them. Some experts suggest that drinking more water can boost your metabolism, which might be essential for losing or maintaining weight.
Urination Changes
You might be inclined to increase water intake if you notice that your urine is dark, possibly with a strong odour, and you’re urinating less frequently. Reduced urination frequently can often be associated with the kidneys. They regulate the water in your body, and if you become dehydrated, they conserve what they have and reduce how much urine your body forms. Drinking water also flushes out any bacteria that might be present in our bladders. If you aren’t consuming enough fluids, you might be at an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
Changes in Brain Function
Studies have shown that dehydration can affect brain function. While the brain can compensate for water restrictions on a short-term basis, it may not be able to do it in the long term, leading to side effects. Alongside noticing drops in your performance, you might also experience general irritation and moodiness. Not maintaining fluid intake might also affect those with psychiatric or neurological conditions.
Remembering to drink water can be challenging when you lead a busy lifestyle. However, when you realize that not drinking enough can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, you might be more inclined to keep a water bottle with you while performing activities like exercising, working, and running errands.
