Water is an essential life force that regulates one’s temperature, supports food digestion, and flushes out toxins from the body. Additionally, it boosts energy levels and prevents dehydration. Studies have shown that insufficient water intake can lead to many side effects. While some can be immediately noticed, like headache and dry mouth, others can cause long-term health concerns like kidney stones. Here are some common side effects of dehydration that prompt one to drink water.

Headaches
Headaches can be caused due to temporary factors like lack of sleep. But it is also a symptom of dehydration caused due to fatigue and reduced oxygen supply to the brain. So, before one associates headaches with anything else, it is advisable to drink a large glass of water. Dehydration can also lead to poor concentration and affect one’s cognitive functions in the long run. Dehydration is also a common trigger for migraines. Here, one experiences episodes of severe throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head. So, drinking enough water and avoiding triggers may reduce the risk of headaches, however, healthcare professionals can offer prescriptions to relieve the pain and lower the risk of frequent migraine episodes.

Muscle cramps
Without enough water or fluids, muscles tend to become more sensitive to cramps or spasms with every movement. Water helps to lubricate the joints and avoid the build up of any toxins in the body, thus reducing inflammation and ensuring good muscular health.

Bad oral health
Insufficient water intake leads to a dry mouth where enough saliva is not produced. Saliva helps to thwart bacteria growth in one’s mouth. This, in turn, leads to tooth decay and bad breath. So, drinking enough water also ensures good oral hygiene.

Fatigue
Lack of sufficient water could drop one’s energy levels and make one feel tired without any major physical activity. One must have enough water, especially during exercise, since sweating can lead to electrolyte and water loss from the body and aggravate the feeling of fatigue.

Skin damage
Keeping the body hydrated also has an impact on one’s skin. Dry or rough skin may be due to prolonged dehydration. The skin may lose elasticity over time and accelerate signs of aging when one doesn’t drink sufficient water.

Sweet cravings
When the body is dehydrated, it may have trouble accessing glucose reserves, which can aggravate one’s cravings for sweets. So, if one notices a sudden or intense craving for sugary foods, it’s best to drink a large glass of water to rule out the possibility of dehydration.

Slower bowel movement
The colon has certain receptors that pull water from the body and soften stool for easy and pain-free excretion. However, lack of water can affect their function and lead to constipation, abdominal pain, and cramps due to hardened stool.

Apart from obvious signs of feeling thirsty, the body shows other signs of requiring water. It is crucial to understand these signals to maintain optimal health and avoid any long-term side effects of dehydration.