A well-known fact is that humans cannot live without oxygen, but a lesser known fact is that, every human cannot live long without being hydrated properly. The truth is, a person’s bodily function is directly proportional to the amount of water intake and a person who is suffering from dehydration would naturally be termed unhealthy. Do you know the effects of dehydration?
Each and every nerve, cell, and tissue in our body requires water to function. Often, the amount of water we take is less than the amount of water that is given out by our body, through various forms such as sweat etc.
Risks Of Staying Dehydrated
Dehydration don’t lead to only minute complications.It often leads to some really deadly ones too. So what could they be?
1. Brain Swelling
Not drinking water for a long time makes you want to drink a large amount when you do. During such times, the body tries to take in as much water as possible and as a result, the cells tend to swell. Now imagine that happening in the brain!
2. Kidney failure
Kidneys are the key organs for dispensing of any waste from our body. What if those suddenly stop working? Lack of water would eventually cause a fatal kidney failure.
3. Coma and death
Sometimes, neglecting symptoms of dehydration could cause a person to slip into a coma and ultimately cause death. This is one of the effects of dehydration!
The above-listed points form only the major and most affecting risks of dehydration while there still remain many more risks pertaining to dehydration.
Effects of Dehydration
- Frequent headaches
- A constant need of sleep
- Dry mouth
- Less urine or none at all
- Confusion over petty issues along with dizziness
- Dry eyes
- Nausea
How Much Water Do You Require
On an average, a person is expected to have a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day, in order to avoid dehydration. But, the amount of water intake is greatly affected by an individual’s daily routine.
- A person staying at home should drink a standard 8 glasses of water per day
- If you are working indoors, but outside of their house should take a minimum of 10 glasses per day, since the rate of dehydration increases as a result of spending more energy
- A person suffering from fever must try and drink as much water as possible since water helps cool down the body.
- Anyone who exercises needs to drink a lot of water as they tend to sweat.
- A pregnant lady should also be drinking as much water as possible at all times.
Benefits Of Staying Hydrated
1. High BP could be reduced
Many people suffer from high blood pressure. This is mostly caused by our food habits and also our mental health. Drinking more water would help keep us healthy and free from high blood pressure. Thus, avoiding any side effects of dehydration.
2. Asthma and Allergies could be eradicated
When our body is dehydrated, it produces more histamine which could block the passage of our lungs. As a result, it would cause breathing problems and allergies due to the entry of foreign bodies.
3. Acne, Dermatitis, Psoriasis and Premature aging of skin could be prevented
Glowing skin is the sign of proper hydration; however, dehydration causes dull skin. Keeping yourself hydrated would prevent all of these along with slowing down the process of aging.
4. Eliminate digestive disorders
Water helps move the unwanted matter in the body at a faster rate, thereby freeing the body of waste. As a result, the digestion of the body remains in good shape, eliminating digestive disorders.
5. Weight gain and cholesterol can be stopped
Cholesterol and weight gain are linked together. If the body is dehydrated then there is energy lacking in your system, which causes an increase in appetite. In such cases, the body gains a few unwanted pounds. However, drinking water at regular intervals of time prevents the occurrence of such problems.
Tips To Keep Yourself Hydrated
- Always remember to throw a bottle of water into your bag before you leave the house.
- Drink water before and after you exercise to restore the lost energy levels
- Make a habit of drinking water at regular intervals of time with the help of reminders.
- Try drinking water whenever you feel hungry since most of the time, thirst is often confused with hunger.
Bonus Tips
- If you are tired of drinking plain boring old water add a slice of lemon to it. This might make it taste a little more appealing to you.
- Make it a point to drink water as soon as you get up. This will help wake up your digestive system, keeping it healthy and active.
- Do not drink water immediately after working out, this might lead to heart contractions. Drink after you have rested for at least five minutes.
