Water is super, super important for health and, in fact, it helps with everything. Since the human body is 60% water, it needs to maintain its hydration levels to fuel cells and keep the brain and body functioning.
Although water can be drawn from food (especially those with a high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, peppers and tomatoes) and, of course, from a drink, many of us don’t drink enough every day, or even drink sources of dehydration, such as alcohol, which can also rob the body of hydration. (As well as slowing down intoxication, this is another reason why it’s a good idea to pair an alcoholic drink with a glass of water).
So what happens if you don't drink enough water?
Here are 10 potential side effects of insufficient water consumption and 10 great reasons why you should definitely drink enough water!
Decreased energy
When you’re dehydrated, you may notice that your energy levels drop, as water helps keep your mind alert and your body balanced. If you don’t drink enough water during the day, the afternoon energy drop will be even more pronounced, and you may feel too tired to continue working or get to your evening workout. Keep a bottle of water handy to remind you to drink regularly throughout the day.
Mental fog
Your brain needs water (our brains are made up of around 80% water), and drinking enough will keep you mentally sharp, even over the long term. A study published in the journal Nutrients showed that drinking water improves brain health and prevents memory decline and mental drowsiness. If you’re feeling tired and distracted, drink some water and see if it helps.
Increased risk of stroke
Water is also good for your heart. According to a study published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, not drinking enough water and being dehydrated can increase the risk of stroke and prolong recovery time, if you’ve had one. So, to keep your heart in tip-top shape, pay attention to how much water you’re drinking. If your urine is yellow or you feel faint, drink water immediately.
Your mood
Unless you want to isolate people at the office, keep an eye on your drinking regime, as dehydration can also make you irritable and cranky. Two studies at the University of Connecticut studied men and women on a series of cognitive tests, and found that being dehydrated led them to bad moods, drowsiness and even headaches.
Overeating
We sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. That’s why it’s a good idea to drink water when you feel the urge to eat, instead of reaching for the cookie jar. That’s why it’s a good idea to drink water before sitting down to a meal, because you can consume fewer calories and you’ll have a better idea of your hunger signals and appetite, as shown by a 2018 study in the journal Clinical Nutrition Research. Water can prevent you from feeling super hungry when you sit down to eat, and listening to your thirst and hunger signals can give you insight into what your body really wants.
A slower metabolism
That’s right, your metabolism also naturally slows down when you’re thirsty. As a small study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism shows, 17 ounces of water (about two glasses) can increase metabolism by 30%, which is significant when you’re looking to lose weight.
Headaches
As the brain needs water, a lack of it can lead to headaches and fatigue. So, before taking any medication, drink some water first and get some rest. This headache may disappear without you needing to take any other measures. Learn more about headache triggers and myths.
Fragile skin
Skin needs to be hydrated with water to look dewy and youthful. Not drinking enough can accentuate the effects of aging, leaving skin looking drier, flakier, more wrinkled and simply less fresh than you’d like. A lack of water can cause collagen to crack, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why you need to incorporate moisturizing products into your skincare routine to supplement water intake for a supple, soft appearance.
Weaker workouts
When you sweat, you lose electrolytes and water. So it’s important to drink before, during and after training to replenish lost reserves. As a study in Physiological Reports shows, workouts can suffer from a lack of water, and your body may not burn as much fat.
Wanna optimized your workouts and increase your performance? Here’s the best sarm’s combo!
Weight gain
While a little weight gain isn’t really dangerous, if it’s prolonged over time or occurs in the stomach area in particular, it can expose you to a variety of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and so on. Drinking water can even help you lose weight and reduce water retention. What’s more, you’re likely to consume fewer calories by filling up on good old-fashioned liquid and avoiding confusion between hunger and thirst signals.
