What happens when you don’t drink enough water?
Well, a lot, actually.
Dehydration is a complex topic that affects a lot of people, even in unsuspecting ways. Today, we’ll go over what dehydration is, what to look for in dehydration symptoms, and how to improve your hydration.
What Is Dehydration?
Keeping it simple, dehydration is a condition that happens when the body loses more water than it’s taking in. The body primarily loses water through urination, sweating, and breathing. When drinking water doesn’t replace the water lost in these bodily functions, the body may become dehydrated.
As you can imagine, nothing good comes out of what’s known as dehydration.
People Who May Be Susceptible to Dehydration
Inadequate Water Intake
People who don’t drink enough water to replenish lost water through sweating, urination, and breathing (this is our more obvious one).
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
Illnesses or gastrointestinal disruptions may deplete fluids through vomiting or diarrhea.
Frequent Urination
Diabetes, or medications treating an illness that has a diuretic side effect, can deplete bodily hydration.
Fever
A high body temperature sustained over a prolonged period can lead to fluid loss via sweating.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can have a diuretic effect resulting in loss of fluids.
Age
The elderly, infants, and younger children tend to be more prone to dehydration because they have lower fluid reserves.
Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant may experience increased fluid loss.
If you feel you might be susceptible to dehydration, you should discuss this with your doctor.
Hydrate Smarter: Subscribe for Exclusive Offers & Tips
Symptoms of Dehydration
Let’s look at a handful of negative results that may arise when you don’t drink enough water.
Increased Thirst
And here we find the most obvious symptom of dehydration. If you’re thirsty, it's a good indication your body needs water.
Dark Colored Urine
Urine color is largely agreed upon as an indicator of hydration status. If your urine is a deep, dark yellow, it may indicate you’re dehydrated. It's important to ask your doctor about this, however.
Headache
Dehydration may trigger a headache or make a headache worse.
Decreased Urination
Not urinating enough can be an indicator that your body is dehydrated.
Increased Blood Pressure
Dehydration can decrease the amount of blood circulating through your body which in turn can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Dry Skin
We discussed skin health in our benefits of hydration blog. Well, the inverse is true as well. If you’re dehydrated, your skin may suffer.
Cramping, Muscle Spasms
If you’re dehydrated, you may experience muscle cramps or spasms, particularly during physical activity.
Decreased Cognitive Function
Confusion, irritability, and mood changes are a few notable issues one may experience during a state of dehydration.
Hydration Tips
We’ve worked through the dismal effects dehydration has on our bodies and minds.
Now, how do we stay hydrated?
Ways to Help Stay Hydrated
Here’s a handful of hydration tips that can help you stay hydrated on the daily.
Drink Water Regularly
We know, it’s the most obvious one, but it’s equally the most important tip. Consume water throughout the day, particularly when you are thirsty. Nothing beats water for hydration, so consider replacing sodas or fancy coffee drinks with plain old water. You’ll be doing your body a favor. This change in habit alone can help you maintain adequate hydration.
Get a Water Bottle
There are many stylish water bottles on the market, with a range of prices. But all of them share a common purpose: to encourage better hydration. Carrying your fashionable water bottle to work, family gatherings, the gym, and on long drives is a trendy reminder to drink more water.
Consider Alkaline Water for Taste
The taste of water matters. If you don’t like it, you’ll drink it less. You might try naturally alkaline water and determine if you enjoy the taste. You can read about alkaline water and its relationship to bodily pH here.
Discover the pure, refreshing taste of Eternal Water, sourced from pure springs right here in America. Enjoy the assurance of purity and a natural, refreshing flavor. Choose Eternal Water for a clean, naturally alkaline hydration experience.
Choose Water Over Sugary Drinks
Ditch the sodas, replace with water, and thus improve your hydration. If you’re used to drinking a soda every day at 3:00, the simple act of replacing that with a bottle of water should help you meet your hydration goals.
Flavor Water Naturally
The simple act of adding a little lemon, cucumber, lime, or berries to your water may make it a more enjoyable drink.
Conclusion
Adequate hydration is essential to the human body. Hydration contributes to numerous bodily functions and cognitive experiences. To establish a hydration goal, you should first have a discussion with your primary care physician.
Leveraging our hydration tips is a wonderful way to get started in meeting personal hydration goals.
We firmly believe that our pure and pristine, naturally alkaline water will empower you on your wellness journey to optimal hydration. Find our naturally alkaline water near you.
