Summary: Are you chronically dehydrated? Listen to your body and pay attention to these 3 signs that mean you need to drink more water.
Did you know that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated? Water is vital to the human system, making up 60% of our bodies and 85% of our brains. Water transports nutrients, hormones, enzymes and much more throughout your body; assists chemical reactions, carries digestive juices, lubricates joints, eyes, and intestines, absorbs shock, maintains your body temperature, and removes waste.
With dehydration, the body’s metabolism can slow considerably. Drinking enough water can help reduce hunger pains and keep you from becoming fatigued, help your memory, and even reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer.
Unfortunately, many people don’t like drinking plain water or don’t think to do so throughout the day, and end up being dehydrated. If you’re dehydrated often, you may become desensitized to the feeling of thirst and not even realize that your body is craving more water.
How do you know if you’re chronically dehydrated? Here are a few warning signs:
- Headache. Because your brain is 85% water, it’s often the first place where you feel the effects of dehydration. Rather than grabbing some Tylenol, try a glass of water first.
- Fatigue. If you’re feeling tired throughout the day, even after a good night’s sleep, you may be dehydrated. Because dehydration causes your enzymatic activity to slow down, your body is producing less expendable energy.
- Constipation. Bloating, bad breath, and constipation are signs of dehydration. Water is necessary to move waste through your intestines, so dehydration causes a lack of movement.
For some people, drinking more water is a hard habit to start and maintain. If this sounds like you, here are some tips to help you hydrate:
- Drink a glass of water when you wake up. We become dehydrated throughout the day, so a glass of water in the morning can help you wake up and rehydrate. Keep a glass on your nightstand to make this an easy habit.
- Consume water-based foods. An easy way to get water is through foods that contain plenty, like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, celery, etc.
- Keep a reusable water bottle with you. If you always have water on hand, then you lose your excuse to not drink any. Sip on water during your commute and keep it at your desk during work.
- Use an app. There are some great water tracking apps out there, such as Plant Nanny that will remind you to drink water throughout the day.
- Drink flavored water. If you dislike the taste of water, try drinking sparkling water or make a pitcher of flavored water to keep in your fridge at home.