Six Side Effects of Not Drinking Enough Water

Water is a very important part of the human diet. A large portion of the human body is made up of water and this makes it even for important for the body to be hydrated at all times. Medical experts have shown that adequate hydration of the body ensures that the brain and other parts of the body function well.

Moreover, there are more than enough sources of hydrating the body. These sources include water present in food and fruits such as cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon, bell pepper, and many others to the simple glass of water. However, have you ever wondered what happens when you don’t drink enough water?

This article will discuss the effects of not taking an adequate quantity of water to properly hydrate the body.

Effects of Not Drinking Enough Water

Lethargy

One of the effects of dehydration in the body is low energy. One of the functions of water is to keep the brain and body balanced. Thus, the lethargy felt when dehydrated is the result of the imbalance caused by the insufficient quantity of water in the body. Taking water when you feel fatigued can help provide the body with energy.

Mental Drowsiness

One of the parts of the human body that need an adequate quantity of water to function optimally is the brain. 80% of the brain is made up of water and as a result, proper hydration helps the brain perform its functions very well. It also follows that in cases where the brain is starved of water, you may experience mental fog or fatigue. When this happens, taking enough quantity of water can bring the brain back to its normal state of alertness.

Higher Risk of Stroke

 The brain is not the only part of the human body that requires water to operate optimally. The heart needs water to remain healthy and operate. The absence of adequate water content in health can increase the chances of stroke. It can also increase the recovery time for people who already have a stroke. Thus, it is important to pay attention to the quantity of water taken. If you feel faint or your urine is yellow, it could be a marker for telling you to take more water.

Bad Mood

Dehydration also affects the human behavioral pattern and mood. When the body is dehydrated, it causes an imbalance between the brain and the body. It could make the person feel irritated and cranky. When this occurs, the person tends to be in a bad mood and this affects their relations with friends and family members.

Bad Eating Habit

When the body feels dehydrated, it sends a signal to the brain. However, people misinterpret this signal for hunger, and many people eat more than they should. This leads to overeating which also leads to unhealthy weight gain, among other health issues.

Digestive Problems

Water is very important for the digestion process. It makes it easier for the organs to break the food and allow enzymes to act on these food particles. As a result, it becomes difficult to complete the digestive process if you don’t drink enough water.  

Important note

If you suffer from heart failure, it is best to drink less water, as this will force your heart to work harder.
Adults with light physical activity should drink at least 1200 ml of water every day. Taking a 200 ml cup as an example, that would be 6 glasses of water. If the amount of physical activity is high, or the ambient temperature is high, drink plenty of water appropriately.
In rare cases, drinking too much water can cause water intoxication, which can cause the brain to swell and be fatal. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.