Water is essential to our overall health. It is not just a substance that quenches our thirst, but it is an integral part of the body’s functions and vital activity. However, many people suffer from a lack of drinking water in their daily lives, whether due to being busy or not being aware of the importance of water.
The effects of not drinking enough water are not limited to feeling dehydrated, but extend to our general health and many bodily functions. It is important to understand the causes and negative effects that may occur as a result of not drinking enough water, and how to avoid them and maintain a healthy water balance.
Harmful effects of drinking less water
Drinking less water may cause some harm, the most important of which is feeling thirsty, dizziness, changing the color of urine to a dark color, and feeling tired and exhausted. Below we will learn about these harms:
1- Dehydration
It can lead to dehydration of the body, which negatively affects its vital functions and increases the risk of fatigue and general weakness.
2- Low energy and concentration
When the body is dehydrated, a person can feel tired and lack energy, affecting the ability to concentrate and mental performance.
3- Abnormalities in body functions
Lack of water intake also affects the functions of vital organs such as the kidneys and liver, and leads to problems with metabolism and the removal of toxins from the body.
4- Increased risk of disease
Not drinking enough water increases the risk of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some types of cancer.
5- Effects on the digestive system
Lack of water intake also causes digestive problems such as constipation, bloating and heartburn.
6- Effects on skin and hair
Lack of drinking water causes dry and flaky skin, and erodes the quality of hair, leading to a dull and tired appearance.
Therefore, it appears that lack of drinking water can cause negative effects on general health and well-being, and therefore it is necessary to ensure that you drink sufficient amounts of water daily to maintain good health and sustainable daily activity.
The amount of water needed daily
The optimal amount of water an individual needs per day can vary based on several factors such as age, gender, physical activity and climate. However, general guidelines suggest drinking between 8 to 10 glasses of water per day for adults, which is equivalent to about 2-2.5 liters.
This amount can increase in certain situations such as periods of intense physical activity, hot weather, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding, where the body needs additional amounts of water to maintain fluid balance. These general guidelines should be a rule for each individual, but you should track your body’s needs when you feel thirsty and drink water when needed. The goal is to maintain a healthy water balance to ensure optimal body performance and overall health.
Tips to help you drink more water
Here are some tips that may help you increase your water intake on a regular basis and avoid the harms of not drinking enough water:
1- Carry a bottle of water with you.
Carry a medium-sized water bottle with you on your daily commute, whether you’re at work or out and about, to remind yourself to drink water regularly. And you can get it easily, as Hajar Water offers a range of great deals, the most important of which are the winter offers , and the offer bottles come in an excellent size that is ideal for on-the-go.
2- Set a daily drinking goal.
Set a daily goal for the amount of water you want to drink, and try to stick to that goal by dividing the amount throughout the day.
3- Set reminders
Put reminders on your mobile phone or place reminder notes in a prominent place to remind yourself to drink water regularly.
4- Replace other drinks with water.
Try to replace soft drinks and artificial juices with water, especially healthy water, when you feel thirsty.
5- Eat foods rich in water.
Eat foods that contain a high percentage of water, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, watermelons, and oranges. This will help increase your body’s hydration.
6- Adding natural flavors to water
Adding fruit pieces or aromatic herbs such as mint or lemon to your water can make it more tempting to drink.
7- Drink water before meals.
Before each meal, drink a glass of water. This helps you feel full quickly and may reduce the desire to eat large amounts of food.
8- Drinking Challenges
Participate in drinking challenges with your friends or family members, where you challenge each other to drink specific amounts of water each day.
Thus, by applying these tips, you can motivate yourself to drink more water and get the most out of its health benefits.
Frequently asked questions about lack of water
What happens when you don't drink enough water?
When you don't drink enough water, there can be many negative effects on your health. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which affects your body's vital functions and increases your risk of fatigue and general weakness. In addition, it can affect your physical and mental performance, distort your body's functions, and increase your risk of disease.
How do I know if the body needs water?
There are several signs that your body needs more water. The most important of these is thirst, which is one of the most prominent signs. There are also other signs such as dry mouth and throat, headache and dizziness, dark urine, fatigue and weakness, and dry skin.
How do I know that my body does not need water?
Although signs of not needing water are less common than signs of thirst and dehydration, it is important to be aware of them. Here are some signs that may indicate that your body does not need water: lukewarm and clear urine, not feeling thirsty, urinating too much, and feeling cold.
Does lack of water in the body cause depression?
Yes, lack of water in the body can lead to depression or increased anxiety in some people. Therefore, lack of water can affect mood and lack of water affects brain performance, fatigue and exhaustion, and dehydration causes feelings of distress and depression, in addition to lack of water affecting the secretion of hormones in the body, which may directly affect mood and cause disturbances in it.
Does lack of water cause weight gain?
Yes, not drinking enough water can cause weight gain in several ways. Here are some reasons why not drinking enough water can affect weight: Stimulates appetite, Reduces urination, Effects on metabolism, Changes in fluid balance, Replacing soft drinks with water.
In conclusion of this article, we can conclude that drinking less water has significant negative effects. The body relies heavily on water to perform its vital functions properly, and when there is a lack of fluids, the body can suffer from a variety of problems. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that we drink sufficient amounts of water daily,