Being prepared for disasters isn’t just about having the right emergency equipment on hand. Your health can be a deciding factor between life and death or even how you deal with emergency situations. Drinking water daily can help keep you healthy and prepared.
Many people find it difficult to keep track of how much water they consume daily. The fact is, most people don’t really understand the importance of staying hydrated and how water is essential and beneficial to their health.
By denying your body the world’s most natural and needed resource, you continuously damage your body and risk unforeseen health concerns in the future.
You may not be a person who likes to keep track of your daily water intake, but perhaps you should measure your lack of water consumption by listening to your body.
Here are some signs you’re not drinking enough water:
You have digestive problems
Water keeps the body functioning correctly. Our membrane properly functions because of water. Mucus, which is found in our mouth and throat, is also needed to fight off stomach acid which can cause major damage. Basically, lack of water can give you more heartburn and indigestion.
Your mouth is dry
This seems pretty obvious, but the ramifications might not be so. Of course, any time you feel that sticky, nasty feeling in your mouth, you’d obviously reach for some sort of liquid. But sugary drinks are only a temporary solution to a larger problem. Drinking water lubricates the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat, which will continue to keep your mouth moist with saliva long after that first sip.
You have dry skin
Skin can get dry pretty fast if not moisturized. What better source than water can do exactly that? In fact, dry skin is one of the earliest signs of full-on dehydration, which can lead to much larger problems. A lack of water means a lack of sweat, which leads to a body’s inability to wash away excess dirt and oil accumulated throughout the day. This will actually help get less zits.
You have dry eyes
Not drinking enough water can lead to dry, bloodshot eyes. Your tear ducts need water so they won’t dry up. It may not be a big deal to most but it makes a huge difference to those who wear contacts on a daily basis. Also, having dry eyes can be very uncomfortable and annoying.
You’re always thirsty
Do you remember the last time you let loose and had a little too much to drink? Waking up the next day was probably pretty rough. Well, that’s your body’s way of telling you it needs H2O in the worst way. Alcohol dehydrates the entire body and sends signals to your brain until the thirst has been quenched. Some of us may know that feeling all too well!
You have joint pains
Most of the water in our bodies resides in cartilage and spinal discs. Water is essential in keeping our bones from grinding against each other. Staying hydrated will ensure healthy joints needed to absorb all body movement such as walking, running and beer pong.
You stay sick a lot longer
Your body needs water to help it flush out toxins. Think of your body as a machine and water is the much needed oil to make it run smoothly. Dehydrated body organs won’t function well and will eventually start pulling water from other organs like your heart. This could lead to a whole new set of problems.
You feel tired all the time
It’s simple really. A lack of properly hydrated blood leads to sleepiness and fatigue. Perhaps that’s why you feel like you’re crashing down around 2 pm. Unfortunately, coffee can only do so much and won’t help you in the long run.
You have less muscle retention
Your muscles need water. Less water means less muscle mass. If you’re athletic, it’s important to drink as much water as possible. Water can also help relieve soreness due to exercise or weightlifting.
You have a lot of hunger pains
Your mind can play tricks on you. When you’re dehydrated, feelings of hunger start to kick in. Eating food creates more work for your body, whereas drinking water purifies and your organs and supplies it with the fuel it needs to go through the other processes a body goes through.
You start the aging process a lot sooner
As we age, the body’s ability to naturally retain water decreases. So, as we get older, the body requires more water intake. We can see the changes on the outside but remember, getting older also means your organs get older. To help slow down the aging process, drinking water is key.
Your urine color is very dark
Yes that’s right. The color of your urine is a great indicator of how well your body is hydrated. The darker the color, the more water you should drink. Lighter looking pee means your drinking water regularly. Of course, going to the bathroom 20 times in a day is also a sign you’re drinking enough water.
Learn to listen to your body and drink water when you feel thirsty. Here’s a video that will give you a better guideline on how much water you should drink.