Accounting for more than 60% of the human body, water is integral for survival. Hydration facilitates digestive functions, helps maintain temperature, and ensures proper circulation. Health experts and nutritionists advise adults to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily to ensure optimum health. Insufficient water intake can lead to several complications, such as dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, and more. Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of not drinking enough water.

Dehydration
The first noticeable side effect of poor drinking habits is dehydration. As the term suggests, this is a condition in which the body lacks enough water and cannot function properly. It can lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, dark yellow urine, thirst, and dry mouth. Some severe symptoms include feeling lightheaded or confused. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to life-threatening complications like kidney failure, seizures, and other severe conditions.

Skin changes
Dry and flaky skin are common symptoms of insufficient water intake. Drinking enough glasses of water during the day is important to keep the skin naturally hydrated and moisturized from within. Many nutritionists also recommend eating hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and similar foods, which helps keep the skin’s elasticity intact, making it appear youthful. Insufficient water makes the skin prone to signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Declining cognitive function
Many studies suggest that insufficient water intake can lead to symptoms like reduced memory, attention span, and late reaction time – all pointing to decreasing cognitive performance. Studies also indicate that even mild dehydration can lead to mood swings, irritability, increased fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and losing focus in completing tasks. So staying hydrated keeps your brain activity functioning correctly.

Imbalanced immune system
The immune system is the body’s first line of defense against viruses or bacteria that may target the organs. A dehydrated body leads to a weakened and compromised immune system that is not fit enough to care for the body. Chronic dehydration can lead to inflammation that can cause heart disease or even arthritis. These illnesses come with their own complications that are hard to manage. With the right meal plan, adequate water intake, exercise, and lifestyle changes, these diseases can easily be avoided, or the risk of developing them can be reduced dramatically.

Digestive concerns
Since water is an essential component of the digestion process, insufficient water intake can lead to the body getting constipated. It can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain and hard and dry stool that are difficult to pass. It is because water is necessary for moving the food through the intestines. Due to dehydration, other complications like acid reflux or ulcers can also cause issues. Treating these illnesses is highly uncomfortable and demands a structured meal plan and lifestyle change to manage the symptoms. However, drinking enough glasses of water daily can keep these conditions at bay.

Apart from these, one may also experience muscle cramps due to a lack of electrolytes. Headaches are another symptom of severe dehydration, which may further lead to fatigue, dizziness, or even heat stroke if left ignored.

Consult a healthcare professional and a nutritionist to understand if your body requires any special attention in terms of hydration. Healthy water drinking habits are proven to prevent one’s risk of contracting various severe health conditions. Besides drinking enough water, follow a healthy meal plan and incorporate necessary lifestyle changes to ensure you remain fit and lead a fulfilling life.