Health & Fitness
Dangers of not drinking enough water
Water is super, super important for good health and, really, it helps with everything. Since about 60% of the human body is actually water, it needs to maintain hydration levels to fuel cells and keep the brain and body functioning.
And while you can get water both from foods (especially those with high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, bell peppers and tomatoes) and, of course, from a glass, many of us aren’t drinking nearly enough daily-or are even drinking dehydrating sources, like booze, which can strip the body of hydration too.
(Beyond slowing down intoxication, that’s another reason why it’s smart to pair an alcoholic beverage with a glass of water.)
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So, what happens if you don’t drink enough? Here are 10 potential side effects of not getting enough water.
Drinking water often helps to maintain a healthy balance. Mild dehydration can decrease one’s energy level and mental functioning and increase stress on the body while severe dehydration can have far more damaging effects.
To avoid dehydration drink at least eight glasses of water every day as an adult.
The importance of water to the mechanics of the human body cannot be overemphasized. It serves as a lubricant to the digestive system and all other body processes.
The water in our saliva helps facilitate swallowing, ensuring that food slides easily down the esophagus. It also lubricates and allows edibles to move more freely.
The body cells and organs depend on water for their functioning. Without water, living things, including humans will die in a few days.
So, when you don’t drink enough water, the under listed side effects happen.
When dehydrated, energy levels drop, and one might feel too tired to continue on with work.
According to study in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, not drinking enough water and being dehydrated can raise the risk of strokes and prolong recovery time.
It can also slow down metabolism, as well resulting in serious headaches since the brain needs water, when it’s lacking it can lead to headaches and fatigue.