It is known that the feeling of thirst indicates that the body needs water. This means that the water level in your body has dropped below the level necessary for normal functioning.
But thirst is not the only clear sign that the body needs water. In addition, there are more important signs of dehydration.
1. Dark yellow urine
This is usually a major sign that you are not drinking enough water. Ideally, urine should be light yellow-amber in color. When a person does not drink enough water, the kidneys increase the concentration of waste in the urine.
Including dead blood cells, toxins, proteins and other products that need to be removed from the body, resulting in darker urine.
You may also notice darker urine after taking certain medications, B vitamins, beets, blackberries, asparagus, or food dyes.
If you notice a temporary change in the color of your urine, consider first whether you have been using something that could change the color of your urine. Then increase your water intake and see if the color of your urine becomes lighter.
But if the urine remains dark for a long period of time, it could be a sign of more serious health problems.
2. Urine production decreases
On the other hand, you can also reduce the amount of urine per day. Most people go to the toilet 6-7 times in 24 hours. When you don't drink enough water, there is less fluid to replace the fluids that are removed from the body.
The kidneys try to retain as much fluid as possible to avoid dehydration. If you urinate less than 6 times a day, consider your water intake and increase if necessary.
3. Skin dryness
Many people with dry skin experience a lack of water, even if they don't know that this could be the root cause of their dry skin. Daily water consumption improves blood circulation and promotes skin regeneration.
In addition to using lotions to moisturize your skin as if that were the only solution, try drinking more water.
4. Dark circles under the eyes
If your eyes hurt and are often accompanied by dark circles. They can be a clear sign of dehydration. The eyes should always be moist, and water is necessary for the formation of tears and moisture in the eye. By increasing fluid intake, results can be seen immediately.
5. Muscle spasms
Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions of muscles or groups of muscles. They can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Lack of potassium, calcium and magnesium through dehydration can stimulate muscle spasms or cramps.
6. Hunger and excess weight
The body does not know the difference between hunger and thirst. The hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating hunger and thirst, is often confused, causing feelings of hunger in response to thirst. Snacking instead of a glass of water leads to excessive calorie consumption and weight gain.
So if you're trying to lose or maintain your weight, make sure you're drinking enough water. If you feel hungry, drink a glass of water before eating and wait 10-15 minutes to see if the hunger has passed or is still there. If you're still hungry, then it's real hunger and it's time to eat.
7. Earlier aging
Many people know that the body consists of 70% liquid, when this amount is depleted, the skin shrinks. Lack of water increases our chance of getting wrinkles. Drinking enough water helps prevent aging.
8. Pain in the joints
Water acts as a joint lubricant that allows the two bones to slide over each other while the joint moves. Not enough fluid leads to damage to cartilage cells. If the body is chronically dehydrated, your cells will eventually reach a tipping point and the cartilage will degenerate beyond repair. If you suffer from joint pain, remember to drink water and increase it if necessary.
9. Stomach ulcers
Lack of food or water can cause stomach acid to build up. Therefore, to protect the stomach, it is advisable to eat at regular intervals of 2 hours, and also drink a lot of water, as in the previous recommendations.
10. Constipation
Daily water intake helps maintain moisture in the intestines and can prevent chronic constipation. If your water intake is very low throughout the day, it can cause problems for your gut.
For this reason, the minimum and recommended amount of water per day is from 8 to 12 glasses, you can find out more information about how to drink water correctly.