Clean water is one of the most important requirements of the body. A person can survive for a maximum of three days without drinking water. Your body requires an adequate supply of water to function normally. Sufficient water intake prevents dehydration and several other health problems. A normal person must drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Some health experts are of the opinion that people must drink 10-12 glasses of water to keep their body and skin hydrated.
There are several problems you can face if you don’t drink enough water every day. Some of the problems you can face are:
Dehydration
This is a state of not having the required levels of fluids in your body. Dehydration is common for sportspersons who don’t drink enough water after strenuous exercise. However, normal people suffer from dehydration because their body does not receive adequate fluids. People who are over 60 years of age are more likely to suffer from this problem because as they age, their urge to drink water decreases which can cause several problems associated with dehydration. Some of the symptoms of dehydration include loss of appetite, dry skin, tiredness, and headache.
Digestion Problems
The human digestive tract is a complex system that requires an adequate supply of water to break down food. Inadequate water intake can cause several problems like constipation, heartburn, and indigestion. The human stomach has a lining that contains water and compounds that protect the body against stomach acids. This stomach lining must be thick to prevent problems in the stomach. An inadequate supply of water can decrease the thickness of the lining and can cause several stomach problems.
Arthritis
The cartilages of the joints contain about 80 percent water. These cartilages reduce friction between the joints which allows free movement of the joints. These cartilages must be lubricated to allow free movement of joints. Inadequate supply of water reduces the water content in the cartilages which increases the friction between the joints. Decreased lubrication between the joints can increase the risk of arthritis. You must drink at least half oz. of water per pound of weight to keep the cartilages lubricated and reduce the risk of arthritis.
Blood Pressure
Inadequate water intake can increase your blood pressure. When the body does not get the water it needs, the capillaries can close which can decrease the movement of the blood in the capillaries. When the blood flow in the capillaries gets restricted, it increases the blood pressure. Insufficient water intake could also force the body to use the liquid present in the arteries which can further harm your body. Also, if the blood flow to the kidney is restricted due to a lack of water in the body, it can constrict the arteries and veins which can further increase the blood pressure.
Headache
Most people don’t realize that they could be suffering from a headache because of insufficient water intake. Observational studies show that people who drink less water could suffer from problems like irritation, lack of concentration, and prolonged migraine. People who suffer from headaches caused due to water deprivation can get relief in about 30 to 35 minutes after drinking water.
