Advertisement
Advertisement

Health

9 Hidden Signs You're Not Drinking Enough Water

By Jeffrey Kopman

August 01, 2014

Are You Getting Enough Water?

image
((Thinkstock/Jupiterimages))
Advertisement

It's easy to remember to drink water in the middle of summer when temperatures rise to unbearable levels. Drinking bottle after bottle is incredibly important, as the body sweats a lot of it out. But water should be your close friend all year round.

Not getting enough H2O causes many problems, other than the ones you're probably familiar with. 

You might only drink water to quench your thirst, but why stop there?

“It’s often said that water is the most important nutrient, and it’s a good foundation for our diet,” Lori Chong, R.D., at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, told weather.com. “The recommendation for women is 2.2 liters per day, and for men it’s 3 liters.”

That might sound like a lot, but it’s well worth it, and there’s an easy trick if you have trouble consuming that much.

“If you’re having a hard time getting in enough water, invest in a straw cup,” said Chong. “[Many] tend to drink more when we drink out of a straw. Personally, it helped me.”

Click through for some hidden signs that you need more water.

You’re Tired

image
((Thinkstock/Jupiterimages))

“Being tired, and cranky can be a sign [that you’re not getting enough water],” said Chong. “Just trying to work in some extra water might make a difference in your energy levels.”

Mild dehydration can cause fatigue, tiredness and low energy, according to the Mayo Clinic and a 2012 study published in the Journal of Nutrition.

So the next time you’re tired it’s probably a better idea to grab some water instead of another cup of coffee.

“Coffee, tea, soda and sports drinks instead of water can count towards our total [liters], but I prefer drinks that don’t have sugar, caffeine or alcohol,” said Chong. “At least half [of the daily recommendation] should still be water.”

NEXT: A problem in the bathroom

You’re Constipated

image
((Thinkstock/Polka Dot))

One of the best ways to fight constipation is to make sure you get enough fiber in your diet. But if that doesn’t work, the answer could be to drink more water.

Water can make fiber more effective, which normalizes bowel function and maintains regularity, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Fiber needs water, so if someone increases their fiber drastically — without increasing water — we can see more constipation and stomach pain,” said Chong. “Constipation can be avoided with enough water.”

NEXT: A painful reminder

Your Joints Hurt

image
((Thinkstock))

Although drinking water might not cure arthritis or other causes of joint pain, increasing the amount you drink can help treat some of the painful symptoms of these conditions.

“You might see fluid retention in your ankles and fingers when you’re not consuming enough water,” said Chong. “It’s important for lubricating joints, so having water can help with joint pain.”

NEXT: Get the body you want

You’re Gaining Weight

image
((Thinkstock/Jupiterimages))

If you’re trying to lose weight, your initial theory might be that less is more. That isn’t the case when it comes to water.

Adding more water, not less, can help you lose weight. Water can replace other fattening drinks such as soda, and has also shown the ability to keep total calories down.

Advertisement

A study from the American Chemical Society confirmed that drinking more water can serve as an effective appetite control method.

NEXT: Increasing the flow of nutrients

Your Kidneys Are Infected

image
((Thinkstock/Digital Vision))

“Certainly not having enough water can lead to a urinary tract infection, which can lead to a kidney infection,” said Chong. “Kidneys filter our blood which is mainly water, so if we’re on the dehydrated side it puts extra stress on our kidneys.”

Drinking plenty of water can also prevent kidney stones, according to the American Kidney Fund.

NEXT: Improve your overall health

You’re Lacking Nutrients

image
((Thinkstock/Stockbyte))

“Nutrients are transported through water and the blood, so for overall good health and making sure we get nutrients we eat, it’s important to have enough water,” said Chong.

Water is a key factor in transporting oxygen, nutrients and waste products into and out of the cells.

NEXT: After a late night

You’re Hungover

image
((Thinkstock/Altrendo Images))

Drinking water might make you feel better the day after drinking, but it can also help prevent a hangover altogether.

Having one glass of water in between alcoholic drinks will help you drink less and decrease dehydration from alcohol, according to the National Institutes of Health.

NEXT: Another improvement to overall health

Your Immune System Is Weak

image
((Thinkstock/Stockbyte))

“Good hydration just helps our good overall immune function,” said Chong.

Staying hydrated and drinking fluids can help treat and prevent coughs, colds and the flu, according to WebMD.

NEXT: Some beauty treatment

Your Skin Looks Bad

image
((Thinkstock/Jupiterimages))

Many people believe that drinking a lot of water is good for their skin. Unfortunately, this belief might be a bit overstated.

Still, water does have some benefit for skin because it helps you avoid dehydration. Studies have shown that dehydration can have a negative effect on the durability of your skin, according to a report from the BBC.

MORE FROM WEATHER.COM: Today's Top Videos

Advertisement

Weather in your inbox

Your local forecast, plus daily trivia, stunning photos and our meteorologists’ top picks. All in one place, every weekday morning.

By signing up, you're opting in to receive the Morning Brief email newsletter. To manager your data, visit Data Rights. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Advertisement

Your Privacy

To personalize your product experience, we collect data from your device. We also may use or disclose to specific data vendors your precise geolocation data to provide the Services. To learn more please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Choose how my information is shared

Arrow Right
Review All Privacy and Ad Settings
Hidden Weather Icon Masks
Hidden Weather Icon Symbols