5 Signs You Aren’t Drinking Enough Water

The health benefits of water are endless. Drinking water comes with so many natural healing properties.

According to the American Institute of Medicine adequate intake of water for men is roughly about 13 cups (3 liters) of water a day and about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water a day for women.

The average person loses about 3 liters of water in  a day through sweat, urine, exhaled air and bowel movement. We lose approximately 1-2 liters of water just from breathing alone. It is only normal that what gets expended must be replaced.

Here are 5 signs that you are not drinking enough water:

1.Dry skin that doesn’t improve with lotion

Dry skin lacks sebum (oil) and should improve when oil-rich products are applied generously to it. However, if at any point your skin stays dry despite being moisturized with lotions, you may want to grab several drinks of water. When you become dehydrated, one of the first places it shows up is the skin. It loses its luster due to dehydration. All it desperately needs is sufficient amount of water.

2. Your mouth is sticky on the inside 

Lack of water can cause your mouth and tongue to be extremely dry and sticky. Along the same lines, being excessively thirsty is actually a symptom that you’ve been dehydrated for a while. In both cases, start replenishing any lost fluids, because lack of water can cause bad breath.  On the other hand, a dry mouth and increased thirst can be a sign of something more serious like diabetes, low blood potassium, low blood sugar and many other illnesses. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

3. You keep having headaches

The common thing most people do when ever they get a headache is pop a painkiller or panadol. It would interest you to know that 2 glasses of water alone can cure a headache within an hour. The National Headache Foundation, tells us that headaches are a common sign that someone is experiencing mild to moderate dehydration. Inadequate intake of water can trigger a migraine. They suggest drinking only water when experiencing headaches and avoiding sugary or overly salty sports beverages, which can worsen dehydration.

4. You’re tired all the time

If you are getting at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep every night,  but still feel sluggish and tired, this might be another sign that you are dehydrated. Fatigue can seriously affect your sense of well-being and ability to concentrate, if you are not resting enough. That being said, simply getting the right amount of water throughout the day can help reduce this.

5. You’re gaining weight

According to a study done by The Journal Of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, drinking as little has 500ml (about 17 ounces) of water can boost your metabolism by up to 30%. An expanding waistline is a sign that you are probably not having enough water intake amidst other health problems. Mild dehydration confuses the hypothalamus. This is the part of the brain that regulates both appetite and thirst. When dehydration sets in, you mistake feeling hungry for being thirsty. Drinking one to two glasses before meal time can fill you up and prevent you from eating when your body just needs more hydration.