11 Signs You are Probably Not Drinking Enough Water
Are you drinking enough water daily? Doctors recommend that everyone consumes six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. That can sound excessive, but we have to remember how much water we lose each day!
Most importantly, the human body is made of water, and it is crucial that we consume enough for survival. Your blood is made of 83% water, and your lungs are 90% water. That is impressive!
Unfortunately, we are a busy people and tend to forget the essential building blocks of life. Despite the recommended amount being so high, an average person tends to consume less than five cups a day. That is a huge difference. How do you know if you aren’t drinking enough water? Here are some signs.
Signs You Aren’t Consuming Enough Water
Dark Yellow Urine
The most common sign is that your urine is dark yellow. Urine of a well-hydrated person is a light yellow color. It becomes darker because of the higher concentration of waste in the urine, such as dead blood cells and proteins.
Of course, some things could change urine momentarily, such as some medications and food. If you know that you consumed something that would alter your urine color, don’t fret. If you aren’t sure, increase your water intake and note the color next time!
Less Frequent Urination
An average person urinates 6 to 7 times in a 24-hour period. If you aren’t drinking enough fluids, that number will be greatly decreased. While you don’t need to count your bathroom trips, you might notice that its been hours in between each urination. If so, increase your water intake!
Constipation
No one likes constipation! It is a miserable experience. Thankfully, most cases can be solved by increasing your water intake. When you are dehydrated, your body searches for the essential water needed, even if that means removing it from your colon.
If you want to reduce the chance of constipation or treat it, drink the recommended amount of water. Believe it or not, it takes a lot of water to generate soft stools. Of course, there are always other reasons for constipation, but dehydration could always be a consideration.
Dry Mouth
Does your mouth have that dry, sticky feeling that is so annoying? If so, find liquids to solve your issue. Water helps to lubricate the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat. Try to avoid sugary drinks because they will only solve the issue for a short time. Water helps with saliva production.
Fatigue
Are you feeling tired and lacking energy even with a full night’s rest? Dehydration could be your culprit. Dehydration causes your heart to work harder to move oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. You might be tempted to reach for a cup of coffee, but water could be more energizing!
