Staying hydrated is essential to feeling great and performing at your best. Water helps with saliva production, good digestion, and getting oxygen to all parts of the body.
We use and lose water naturally throughout the day, and cannot really make more by ourselves. If you are dehydrated, you are losing more water than you gain and are therefore considered to be dehydrated.
BAD BREATH
Dehydration can cause bad breath. Your body has to perform a little hydration triage and shift the fluids into their highest priority locations, which causes a whiff.
FEELING HUNGRY
When you are feeling peckish or notice cravings, it is often because you are thirsty, says Dr. Henry. Drink a glass of water and wait for about 15 minutes, and you may find yourself both thirsty and hungry.
HEADACHES
Experts say dehydration may cause headaches because it puts pressure on the meninges, which then triggers the pain receptors. If you are having a hard time paying attention, drink some water.
LACK OF FOCUS
If you’re having trouble focusing, drink some water. Dehydration can cause cognitive issues, so set alarms throughout the day to remind you to drink.
CONSTIPATION
Constipation is defined as having less than three bowel movements a week. Dehydration can cause constipation, which can lead to negative moods.
GRUMPY
Dehydration can cause neurological effects that lead to irritability. So next time you snap at your partner or the kids, it may have more to do with your need for water.
SKIN INELASTIC
Your skin feels less supple, and your skin’s elasticity is a good indicator of how hydrated you are. The amount of water you need depends on several factors, including your body size and composition, physical activity level, and diet.
Experts recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Still, you should also strive for regular drinking water throughout the day and pay close attention to your body’s natural signals.