Between 50 and 75% of your body is made up of water. Making sure you maintain the correct hydration is important for balanced electrolytes and proper functioning of your heart, muscles, and nerves. Body water does this by removing waste, controlling metabolism, and maintaining body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism. Without enough water, your body becomes dehydrated. Severe dehydration can end in death. [1]
Signs You’re Not Drinking Enough Water
So, how do you know if you’re getting enough water? If you have any of the following symptoms, you might be dehydrated:
1. Muscle Cramps
Experiencing muscle cramps at nighttime or from light exercise might be a sign that you need to increase your water intake. The problem here is that your body can only work with the amount of available water.
When your available water supply is low, your body automatically redirects what is available to the brain, circulatory system, and organs. This takes water and electrolytes away from your nerves, causing extreme sensitivity that results in muscle spasms and cramps. [2]
2. Headaches
If you have a pounding headache, it could be a sign of mild to moderate dehydration. This happens because your brain is protected by a layer of water in your cranium. When you’re dehydrated, the water surrounding your brain is depleted. This can cause your brain to push against your skull, resulting in headaches. [3]
3. Dry Skin, Chapped Lips, or Dry Eyes
Do your skin and lips look dry and flaky? Are your eyes red and irritated? Do you find yourself applying extra lotion, chapstick, or eye drops lately? Dry skin, chapped lips, and dry eyes are all symptoms of dehydration and indicators that you need more water. [4]
How to Increase Your Water Intake
If you don’t treat dehydration now, it could lead to increased blood pressure, decreased kidney function, mental confusion, and eventually, coma. Don’t worry though, dehydration can be reversed before it causes these major health problems. You just need to increase your water intake. How? Check out the tips below:
1. Water Drinking Apps
Still not sure you’ll remember to get enough water? Try an app! With iDrated, you answer some personal questions to set a daily water target. This app monitors how hydrated you are by tracking your water intake and telling you when it’s time to drink! Waterlogged is another great option that lets you set reminders for when to drink water and tells you if you are meeting your goals.
2. Eat More Fruits and Veggies
Hate water? Well, you still have to drink it, but there’s good news. You don’t have to get all of your water needs from drinking H2O. Lots of fruits and vegetables have high water content that can help you meet your hydration goals. Eat a salad for lunch and throw in extra cucumber. Have fruit for breakfast and snacks. Strawberries, watermelon, grapes, and cantaloupe have extra water content. Soup and juices are also high in water so make sure to include them in your diet.
3. Drink a Glass of Water Before Doing Anything Else In The Morning
Sounds simple, right? But if you’re not used to drinking enough water, it can be a difficult task. When you wake up in the morning, drink a glass of water before doing anything else. And throughout the day, try to make sure you always have a water bottle at your side.
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