We know you’re tired of being told to drink more water, but you still keep forgetting to fill up your water bottle every day. How do we know? Because an estimated 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. And this is a serious problem!
Proper hydration is essential for all facets of our well-being, from digestion and cognitive ability to organ functioning and even reproductive health! In this article, we’ll take a look at some signs you need to look out for that your body is begging for more water.
If you notice any of these signs, take heed, fill up your cup, and click here to learn about the best ways to stay hydrated.
Persistent Thirst
Of course, plain and simple, if you’re thirsty, you need to drink water. This one seems obvious, but too many people choose to quench their thirst with a soda or fruit juice, which completely misses the point.
When your body indicates that it’s thirsty, it means that it requires plain old H2O. That parched feeling you get in your throat is your body’s reaction to the volume of water dipping below a certain required threshold. Persistent thirst that isn’t addressed will certainly lead to dehydration, which can bring up some even more unpleasant symptoms.
Dry Skin and Lips
If your lips are perpetually chapped, dry, and cracked, it might be a sign that you’re not properly hydrated. The same can be said for dry, flaky skin!
Water is needed to help your body maintain skin elasticity and moisture. Using a moisturiser is an important part of taking care of your skin, but you need to be able to identify when you’re simply putting a band-aid on a larger issue. Chronically dry skin is usually a sign that you need to hydrate more on the inside, not always on the outside! A good combination of skin care and proper hydration is the right approach to having soft and supple skin.
Dark Yellow Urine
Urine can turn dark yellow and/or smelly due to certain supplements or medications, but it can also be a strong indication that you need to drink more water.
These signs point to very concentrated urine, which is often the result of a lack of water filtering through your system. Ignoring these signs and allowing yourself to stay dehydrated can lead to health complications like kidney stones. So, if you notice that your urine is darker than usual or has a strong scent, take it as a sign to drink a few extra glasses of water.
Fatigue and Low Energy
If you find yourself feeling tired even after a good night’s sleep, it could be a result of dehydration. A lack of water in your system can affect your energy levels and cognitive function, especially because water helps transport nutrients throughout your system.
So, if you find yourself falling asleep at your desk in the middle of the day, that might be a sign that you need to refill your water bottle instead of taking a nap.
