Water is essential for life, yet many of us do not drink enough of it, about 43% of adults drink less than four cups of water per day. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches, constipation, and other health problems. In this blog post, I will explore why you should drink enough water, how you can drink more water, and some tips to help you stay hydrated.
Why you should drink enough water
Water is necessary for many of the body’s functions. It helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, remove waste, and lubricate joints. Without enough water, your body cannot function properly, and you may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Fatigue: When you are dehydrated, your body has to work harder to carry out its functions, which can lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels.
- Dry mouth: this is an obvious one. If you notice you have a dry mouth it means that you are already dehydrated.
- Headaches: Dehydration can cause headaches and migraines, which can be debilitating.
- Constipation: Water helps keep your digestive system moving, and without enough water, you may experience constipation.
- Dry skin: Water helps keep your skin hydrated and supple. Without enough water, your skin can become dry and itchy. Some people even say that this will help to get that natural glow.
- Anxious and stressed: If you are dehydrated, you will likely feel more anxious. Especially when you are already an anxious person.
- Less focused. Ever had that moment when you suddenly couldn’t focus on your tasks at work or school? The next time you experience this, try to drink one or two cups of water and see if you feel better after a few minutes. But the best is to drink enough water all the time and avoid situations like this.
- Feeling dizzy: Of course, it can also mean something else. But if you feel dizzy, it is also possible that you are not drinking enough water.
- Kidney stones: Drinking enough water helps prevent kidney stones, which are painful and can cause damage to the kidneys.
How to drink more water
If you are not drinking enough water, there are several things you can do to increase your intake:
- Carry a water bottle: Bring a water bottle with you wherever you go, and sip on it throughout the day. This will help you stay hydrated and remind you to drink more water. Put it on your desk when you are working or studying. This way, you always have water close.
- Drink water with meals: Instead of drinking soda or juice with your meals, drink water. This will help you stay hydrated and cut down on empty calories.
- Eat water-rich foods: Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and cucumbers, are high in water content. Eating these foods can help you stay hydrated.
- Set reminders: Set reminders on your phone or computer to remind you to drink water throughout the day.
- Make it more appealing: If you find water boring, try adding fresh fruit or herbs to your water to give it more flavor. I love to add mint leaves sometimes. It gives that little bit of extra freshness.
Tips for staying hydrated
In addition to drinking more water, there are several things you can do to stay hydrated:
- Avoid sugary drinks: Soda, juice, and other sugary drinks can dehydrate you and provide empty calories.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can also dehydrate you. If you drink these beverages, make sure to drink water as well. If you do drink alcohol, drink more water before you go to bed. This helps with a possible hangover (which is basically you being dehydrated)
- Listen to your body: If you are thirsty, drink water. Thirst is your body’s way of telling you that it needs more water.
- Drink more in hot weather: If you are sweating more than usual, you need to drink more water to stay hydrated.
- Aim for clear urine: Your urine should be a pale yellow color. If it is dark yellow or amber, you need to drink more water.
Do you drink enough water every day?
Photo by Bluewater Sweden on Unsplash