Water, they say, is life. You surely cannot imagine a world without water, can you? Think of that time you came back home after an exhilarating day at work longing for a drink. What do you go for? Water or other sugary drinks? The former is soothing, refreshing, and satisfying, while the latter provide a short-term solution to a bigger problem. Sadly though, many of us do not take adequate water on a daily basis. This, unfortunately, portends dire consequences as lack of adequate water causes colossal damages to our bodies. If you observe any of the underlisted signs, you are probably guilty of this 'sin' and should seriously consider how to improve your situation.
1. Dryness of the mouth: this is the most obvious signal, of course. Each time you get that sticky, nasty feeling in your mouth, the first instinct you get screams, "grab some liquid!" While sugary drinks quench your thirst temporarily, drinking water keeps your mouth moist by lubricating the mucus membranes in your mouth and throat.
2. Skin dryness: the skin is the largest of the body. It needs to constantly remain moist and hydrated. A dry skin surface often causes irritation and may lead to skin infections. Inadequate water intake leads to lack of water which implies a lack of sweat. The resulting failure of the body to excrete wastes and other accumulated oil forebodes health hazards.
3. Consistent and persistent thirstiness: your body never seems to get enough water. Alcoholic drinks dehydrate the body, just as other drinks CANNOT quench your thirst. So like Pepsi, you keep asking for more! But drinking water reinvigorates you, quenches your thirst, and balances your body fluid level.
4. The eye test: you probably never knew that drinking water affects more than just your mouth and throat. It also affects your eyes. There are times you might have experienced having dry, bloodshot eyes. This may be due to the fact that you failed to take enough water. Then, your tear ducts dry up which makes you experience dryness, more so if you wear contact lenses everyday.
5. Joint pains: water constitute up to eighty percent of our cartilage and spinal discs. This is not without purpose though as it prevents unsavoury grinding of bones. I leave you to imagine what lack of water does to your bones.
6. Longer bouts of sickness: regular intake of water aids to flush out toxins. If you fall sick very often and for longer periods, you may consider taking more water than you currently are.
7. You are easily tired out: when dehydrated, the body "borrows" water from your blood. A lack of properly hydrated blood leads to a shortage of oxygen carried round the body. As a result, you get easily tired and weak.
8. Colouration and reduction of the urine : how often do you visit the restroom? Less than between 4 and 7 visits flag a warning. It suggests that you are not doing enough as your body requires in terms of water intake. You definitely need to do better. Also, a darkish yellow urine is a tell-tale sign that you are probably not drinking enough water. In worse case scenarios, dehydration may lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which requires seeing a physician ASAP!
9. Premature aging: yes, we all dread aging. I mean, we want to grow old, but we don't like the wrinkled skin surface and all that. Here's some good news! You can actually regulate the aging process by drinking lots and lots of water. It keeps your skin fresh and supple. On the insides, your organs function well and better with adequate water supply amount of water.
10. Read #9 and still going?: if you have made it this far, chances are that you are not drinking enough water. It is free, abundantly and readily available. Grab a glass of water, feel refreshed, drink to life... Cheers!
