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Water is considered essential to life, yet most people don’t drink enough water in a day. Amidst the busy schedules, it is easy to forget something as simple as sipping water. The human body, including every cell, tissue and organ, depends on water to function properly. Be it regulating the body temperature, flushing out the toxins or simply providing hydration, water has been the unsung hero behind several bodily processes. When the body does not get sufficient water, it leads to dehydration, which can become fatal if not treated in time. 

How Much Water Should You Drink In A Day?

According to Harvard Health, drinking four to six glasses of water is ideal for healthy people. However, the amount differs based on how much water they intake from other beverages and food sources. For healthy individuals, the average daily water intake for men is about 15.5 cups and for women it is 11.5 cups. This means that people need four to six cups of plain water, depending on other fluid sources such as coffee, tea, juice, fruits and vegetables.

What Happens When You Do Not Drink Enough Water?

One of the most common consequences that happens to the body when you do not drink enough water is dehydration. People often overlook dehydration until the symptoms become severe. It is true that even mild dehydration can have significant impacts on your health. Thus, to prevent dehydration, it is important to drink at least four to six glasses of water.

Dehydration

Insufficient Water Intake Can Cause Dehydration (Image Credits: Canva)

What Is Dehydration?

Dehydration happens when the body uses or loses more fluid than it takes in and the body does not have enough water and other fluids to carry out normal functions. The most common cause of dehydration in young children is severe diarrhoea and vomiting, while in older adults, it is the lower volume of water in their bodies and may have conditions or take medications that increase the risk of dehydration.

Symptoms Of Dehydration

Extreme Thirst: People often experience dryness in the mouth and a persistent urge to drink water. These signs show the body’s warning that there is a fluid imbalance in the body.

Less Frequent Urination: When the body is suffering from less fluid, it tries to conserve water by reducing urine output.

Dark-Coloured Urine: People witness that the urine they pass is concentrated and dark in colour, usually pale yellow. This is a clear indicator of dehydration.

Fatigue: Insufficient water in the body causes a drop in blood volume, which leads to reduced oxygen flow and energy, making the person feel tired and fatigued.

Dizziness: Lack of fluid in he body causes blood pressure to drop, resulting in lightheadedness or dizziness.

Confusion: Severe dehydration can impair brain function, leading to difficulty in concentration, memory lapses or confusion.

ALSO READ: Best Summer Foods And Drinks To Consume When There’s No Water Around

ALSO READ: What Are The Dangers Of Dehydration In Hot Weather? Doctor Explains

 

(Disclaimer: This content, including suggestions and advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information before making any drastic changes in your lifestyle.)