We all know water is essential to our health, but many of us don’t drink enough of it every day. If you’re not sure if you’re getting enough water, here are some telltale signs that you need to increase your intake. Dehydration can lead to a number of problems, so it’s important to stay hydrated!
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You are always thirsty:
If you are constantly thirsty, it means you need to increase your water intake. Our bodies are about 60% water, so it’s no surprise that we need to replenish regularly. Although other factors can contribute to thirst (like diabetes or certain medications), most of the time it just means you need to drink more water. Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day, and be sure to drink even more if you’re exercising or in a dry climate. If plain water isn’t for you, try infusing it with fruit or herbs, or opt for sparkling water instead. Just be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.
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Your urine is dark yellow:
Have you ever noticed that your urine tends to be darker in color when you don’t drink enough water? There is a reason for this ! Urine is made up of water, waste and salts. When you don’t drink enough fluids, your body begins to ration the water it has by reabsorbing more water and waste from your urine. This concentrated waste gives your urine a darker color. The next time you notice that your urine is a little dark yellow, don’t forget to drink!
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You have dry skin:
We’ve all heard, at one time or another, that dry skin is a telltale sign of a lack of water. But is this statement true? According to dermatologists, the answer is yes. When the body is properly hydrated, skin cells are plump and moist. In contrast, when we are dehydrated, skin cells shrink and dry out. Also, dehydration can cause the body to produce less sebum. Which leads to dry and scaly skin. If you suffer from dry skin, be sure to increase your water intake. Along with drinking more water, you can also try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. By taking these simple steps, you can help your skin look its best.
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You are constipated:
We all know that drinking enough water is important for our health. But did you know that it can also make it easier for you to go to the bathroom? Indeed, constipation is one of the main signs that you are not drinking enough water. When you are dehydrated, your body pulls water out of your stools, making them hard and dry. The stools are then difficult and painful to evacuate, which leads to constipation. The next time you feel constipated, have a glass of water instead of a laxative. You might be surprised how quickly things could fall back into place.
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You have headaches:
You may have heard that drinking water can help relieve headaches, and it’s not wrong. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, and drinking water can help rehydrate the body and relieve pain. However, it is important to remember that not all headaches are caused by dehydration. If you regularly suffer from headaches, it is advisable to consult a doctor to rule out other potential causes. But if you just occasionally feel a little thirsty, just drinking a glass of water might be enough to get rid of that annoying pain.
Simple tips to make sure you drink enough water:
- Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times and make sure to refill it regularly.
- Set a daily water intake goal and track your progress. Several free applications are available on AppStore or PlayStore to remind you when it’s time to drink.
- Add flavor to your water by infusing it with fruit or herbs.
- Be sure to drink more water when you exercise, or after a hot shower or sauna.
