10 Warning Symptoms Of Lack Of Water

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Drinking water is the best way to keep the body hydrated and work normally. Lack of fluid in the body can cause dehydration and serious signs such as headache, fatigue, weakened immunity, etc. Let’s dive into this blog to know 10 symptoms of lack of water and how to prevent water deficiency. Read together with WhichChoose!

Roles Of Water To Your Body

Water makes up 2/3 of your body weight, and we can’t live without water for more than a few days. Each organ, tissue, and cell in the body depends on water. Here are some roles of water:

Maintain the balance of body fluids.
Regulate and maintains body temperature.
Lubricate your joints and eyes.
Protect your tissues, spinal cord, and joints.
Help your body remove waste products and toxins.
Aid digestion.
Help control calorie intake.
Help keep your skin looking good and youthful.

10 Symptoms Of Lack Of Water

10 Signs Of Lack Of Water

Here are the 10 signs that show your body lacks water.

2.1. Headaches And Lightheadedness

Some signs that your body lacks water are lightheadedness and headaches. A reduction in your body’s hydration level leads to a decreased amount of fluid surrounding your brain, protecting it from movement and mild bumps.

Instead of taking capsules when suffering from a headache, you should drink water. If dehydration is the reason for the headache, it will go away.

2.2. Poor Concentration

The human brain indicates when dehydrated cause it has about 90% water. Lack of water in your brain can influence memory, mood, and decision-making.

Dehydration can be the reason for signs of brain fog, like difficulty thinking, communicating, focusing, and forgetfulness. Regarding one 2013 study published in Clinical Autonomic Research, dehydration is one of the most reported brain fog triggers, along with prolonged standing, lack of sleep, and fatigue.

One study in 2011 published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that mildly dehydrated individuals performed worse on cognitive tasks and making decisions. There were changes in mood states of anxiety and fatigue.

2.3. Bad Breath And Dry Mouth

Bad breath is another sign that your body lacks water. The dehydrated body produces less saliva, leading to the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This causes stinky or bad breath.

Moreover, you can have a dry mouth with bad breath. Water works like a lubricant, maintaining the mucus membranes moist in your throat, therefore, preventing dry mouth.

2.4. Constipation And Digestive Issues

Water helps lubricate the digestive system and maintains the digestive tract clean and flexible. This aids in keeping your bowel movements often and avoiding constipation.

One study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) shows that fluid loss increases constipation. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep hydration to prevent constipation.

2.5. Food Cravings

If you suddenly feel hungry, drink a glass of water before grabbing a snack. When dehydrated, your body sends false signals to your brain that you are hungry when you are actually thirsty.

Because of the body’s loss of water and electrolytes, craving a salty treat can be caused. Therefore, you should have a sports drink of sodium or make lemon water by mixing the juice of 1 lemon in a glass of water and 1 teaspoon of salt.

When your body finds it difficult to produce glycogen, you can experience cravings for sweets. You can choose fruits like berries, watermelon, and papaya that are sweet and high in water content.

2.6. Reduced Urination And Change In Color

Believe it or not, your body probably lacks water if you don’t use the restroom every few hours. A healthy water intake results in usual urination, approximately 4 to 7 times every day. Not urinating regularly can be problematic cause your body releases toxins via urination.

Besides, you should notice the color of your urine. It’s a vital sign of your hydration level. Light-colored or clear urine means a well-hydrated body, while amber-colored or dark yellow urine shows concentrated urine and is often a sign of a lack of water.

2.7. Fatigue And Lethargy

If you feel tired, it might be due to your dehydrated body. Lack of water can cause low blood pressure and inadequate oxygen supply throughout your body, consisting of the brain. Moreover, lack of oxygen leads to fatigue and sleepiness.

Moreover, when dehydrated, your body must work too hard to circulate blood, transport nutrients, and breathe. Expending more energy makes you feel tired faster than normal. One of the simplest ways to stay energized is to stay hydrated; therefore, keep your water bottle handy.

2.8. Joint And Muscle Pain

A vital component of healthy joints and cartilage is water. They consist of about 80 percent water. If your body lacks water, your bones start grinding against each other, causing joint pain. If your body is well hydrated, your joints can handle sudden movements, such as running, jumping, or falling awkwardly, without any pain.

Depletion of fluids through perspiration can bring about muscle contraction, leading to cramps. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology shows that body water status is essential in modulating the hormonal and metabolic responses to resistance exercise.

2.9. Dry Skin And Lips

Dry skin is one of the indications that your body lacks water. The skin needs water to keep in good condition cause it’s the body’s largest organ.

Dehydration is a reason for less sweating, meaning your body can’t remove excess oil and dirt accumulated on the skin. Moreover, because water helps flush toxins from your body, lack of water increases the risk of psoriasis, acne, and eczema.

Dry and chapped lips are another indication of dehydration. Additionally, moisturizing your skin with a moisturizer and drinking lots of water hydrates your skin from the inside out.

2.10. Fast Heartbeat

Dehydration influences performance and heart rate. Regarding a study publishes in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research (2004), lack of water negatively impacts performance. The heart rate changes in an average of 3 beats/ minute for every 1% change in body weight resulting from dehydration.

Moreover, dehydration causes modifications in electrolytes in the body, which leads to low blood pressure; heart palpitations become faster due to stress. If you feel your heart beating fast, sip water slowly. Visit your doctor immediately if the problem persists.

Tips To Prevent Dehydration

You can refer to the tips to stay hydrated daily:

Drink lots of water and other fluids daily. The amount of water you drink depends on many factors, like your overall health, the climate you live in, and how physically active you are.
Start your day with a glass of water before every meal.
If you often forget to drink water, set a reminder to drink water.
Carry your water bottle every day.
Besides water, you can consume water-rich fruits and vegetables.
Avoid drinking beverages that can cause dehydration, such as alcohol, energy drinks, and caffeine.
If you suffer from vomiting, fever, or diarrhea, increase fluid intake to prevent serious dehydration.
Consult your doctor right away if you have extreme dizziness, thirst, weak or rapid pulse, and not passing urine for more than 8 hours.

WhichChoose shared 10 symptoms of lack of water in the body. Drinking enough water is very important, but it can be easy to forget to drink enough. Therefore, you can follow our tips for staying hydrated. If you have further questions about this topic, don’t hesitate to comment below!