Almost everyone knows that water is essential to ensure every organ of your body is working on its full potential for maximum health and well-being. However, oftentimes due to busy routines, we neglect the importance of drinking adequate amounts of water on a daily basis. This leads to dehydration and other health issues.
By default, the human body is equipped with various mechanisms that provide noticeable signals when the body runs out of water.
In today’s blog post, we are going to discuss some of the most common signals that a human body gives when it is not getting enough water.
Also, read our blog post about Tips for Preventing Water Damage in Your House
Common Signs That Your Body is Not Getting Adequate Water
Although, the signs may depend on the person's condition, age, and region. However, some of the common signs.
1. Physical Symptoms:
In case your body is getting enough needed on a daily basis, it will most likely provide you numerous physical indications such as:
· Thirst:
Thirst is the widely known indication that you need water. When the body becomes dehydrated, the brain immediately triggers the sense of thirst to become active; encouraging the person to drink water.
The situation of thirst is usually accompanied by a dry feeling in the mouth and throat, causing huge discomfort.
· Dry Lips:
Even after feeling thirsty, if the person does not drink enough water, then it will ultimately lead to completely dry and chapped lips. Even the saliva production in the mouth will be decreased due to lack of water.
This sort of condition can also result in discomfort, swallowing, and most importantly bad breath.
· Fatigue & Weaknesses:
Running out of water can also greatly impact the energy levels of the person. Due to less water, the human body struggles to carry out essential bodily functions, leading to fatigue and weakness issues.
Obviously, this will negatively impact physical performance and cognitive problems, making it difficult to concentrate.
· Headaches:
This is also a quite common physical symptom. Due to dehydration, your body is most likely to feel often migraines, and headaches on a regular basis. It is also said by medical experts that, this situation causes the human skull to shrink temporarily.
As we already mentioned, this symptom is particularly debilitating and is often one of the first signs that your body needs more water.
2. Urine Changes:
When you don’t drink an adequate amount of water on a daily basis, your body will provide indications through urine changes that we have elaborated on below in detail.
· Dark Yellow or Amber Color:
If your body becomes dehydrated, there is a strong chance your body may produce urine that is either too dark or amber-like in color. This change usually occurs because the concentrated urine contains higher levels of waste products and a few water molecules, indicating that the body is conserving water.
· Decreased Urine Output:
Apart from unusual color changes in the urine, another indication that your body needs water is decreased urine output.
When the body lacks sufficient fluids, the human body will automatically start reducing the production of urine to conserve maximum water.
3. Skin Indicators:
Your skin is one of the most important and sensitive elements of the human body. So, it also provides multiple indications when the body is not getting enough water.
· Dry & Flaky Skin:
The lack of water in the human body can manifest the visibly through skin. This is because the body will use the available water only for the proper functionality of vital organs; leading to a decrease in moisture levels in the skin.
So, the skin may become dry, flaky, and rough patches. However, it is important to note that, some individuals may also notice tightness and uncomfortableness in the skin, due to dehydration issues.
· Loss of Skin Elasticity:
Dehydration can also lead to skin elasticity issues. A perfectly hydrated skin can quickly return to its original shape when it is gently pinched.
On the other hand, if the body does not have enough water, then it will definitely take more time to bounce back. This will act as an indication that your skin lacks mineral content, and you have to immediately consume the maximum amount of water.
Physiological Responses That the Body Gives Due to Lack of Water
Apart from showing physical symptoms, the human body also provides multiple physiological responses, when it is not getting enough water.
1. Release of Antidiuretic Hormone
Due to insufficient fluids in the body, the hypothalamus detects the increased concentration of solutes in the blood. In response to this, it triggers the pituitary gland to release antidiuretic hormone.
It plays a key role in regulating water balance by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys. It also restricts the production of urine and conserves maximum water for essential bodily functions during the period of dehydration.
2. Impact of Kidney function:
When your body is not getting enough water, it can negatively affect the working of the kidneys, let us explain how. When urine production is reduced, the kidneys become strained, resulting in potential long-term damage.
Moreover, if dehydration is not treated on time, prolonged dehydration can even lead to kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
So, these are some of the few common signs and symptoms that a human body provides when it is not getting enough water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water is recommended to drink on a daily basis?
However, the amount may vary depending person's age, health, region, etc. However, the amount that is normally suggested by doctors is eight glasses.
Can dehydration affect my energy levels and my mood?
Yes, dehydration can not only affect your body’s energy levels but also your mood swings.
Final Words
Drinking enough water is highly essential to staying hydrated and healthy. And neglecting this can lead to numerous health issues. Now the question is how your body tells that it is not getting enough water. The answer is by showing various signs and symptoms. In this blog post, we have covered all those comprehensively.