Did you know that your body is 60% water? It’s true! Water makes up for 60% of the human body. Water is responsible for flushing harmful toxins and substances from your body, creating bodily fluids such as salvia, maintaining body weight, and so much more. But did you know that not drinking enough water can have some pretty adverse effects? These effects can include fatigue, less bowl movements, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and even death. Check out these 4 signs to see if you’re getting enough water intake:
Consistent Bad Breath
Water is absolutely essential for saliva production. Saliva helps rinse away bacteria to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth. The lack of saliva is due to a lack of water, which in turn becomes bacteria build-up on your tongue, teeth, and gums. This results in bad breath! If you regularly practice good hygiene, yet suffer from chronic bad breath, maybe you aren’t getting enough water.
Tiredness
Not getting enough water can put some serious strain on your body. A lack of water results in lower blood volume. This lower volume causes your heart to work extra hard to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body (like your muscles)! So if you’re feeling tired, it could be because your body is fatigued from working on lower bodily fluids and is having to work harder. If you get enough sleep, but are constantly tired, maybe you need more water.
Frequent Illness
Not getting enough water can mean your body isn’t able to flush itself of toxins, waste, and bacteria from the body. This in turn affects your ability to fight disease and infections. Lack of water also means (as stated above) fatigue, which will limit activity level, frequency, and exertion. Less activity means a weakened immune system which results in illness. Drinking enough water helps your body flush out the bad and protect the good.
Dry Skin
Water does wonders for your skin. Drinking water plumps up your skin cells to create a more youthful and vibrant complexion. A lack of water leads to itchiness, dryness, flaking, saggins, lines, and deflation of skin. Water can even help with various skin conditions like acne, as it helps flush your body of harmful toxins.
Here are a few more freebies
A lack of water can also lead to sugar cravings, decrease in bowl movements and urination, constipation, and soreness. So how much water is enough? According to the Mayo Clinic,
“So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:
- About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men
- About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women
These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20% of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.” (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256)
Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your water intake, or give us a call to ask about this and other services we can provide for you and your loved one.
Today, Medical Home Care Professionals are one of the largest locally owned and operated agencies in Shasta County and have clinical teams of nurses, therapists, social service workers, Aides, and caregivers that are dedicated to providing our patients/clients with, respect, dignity, and quality care to guarantee a positive experience while healing at home. Give us a call today to learn more at 530-226-5577.