MILAN – Surprising figures have emerged from a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on hydration amongst Americans: 50% of adults does not drink sufficient quantities of water. This occurs in every country, with different percentages, but is always at levels which are too high. It can represent a serious threat for the wellbeing of the body, causing digestive problems, urinary tract infections, premature aging and anxiety. It is important to be able to recognise the signs displayed by our body. Here are 5 of the most immediate.
1. Dry mouth, skin and eyes
One of the signs that our body is dehydrated appears on the skin. If we do not drink enough water, it is impossible to eliminate through perspiration the toxins accumulated in the skin. This leads to blocked pores and dry skin. Sweating helps to eliminate toxins from within, keeping the pores free and eliminating waste products. Moreover, if you have difficulty with tearing, a lack of water could be the culprit and prove to be a real nuisance for anyone wearing contact lenses. Make sure you always have a bottle of water with you for the health of the eyes. Having a dry mouth is a further sign from the brain that the body needs fluids.
2. Water retention and dark urine
Failing to go to the bathroom regularly will mean retaining toxins within one’s body. Water helps purify and keep your renal system healthy and running smoothly. If you go to the bathroom just twice a day, this can become a problem. You must consider the idea of drinking more water to enable your body to maintain a regular water cycle. If the colour of the urine is not light, but dark yellow or brown, this is a sign you are dehydrated and it means your body is retaining fluids to keep vital functions active.
3. Joint pain and backache
Since the cartilages of your body are made up of almost 80% water, staying hydrated, especially after perspiring, is essential. Water keeps the joints lubricated, reducing the effects of muscular activity or unexpected effort. Moreover, backache could indicate a kidney infection due to dehydration. Therefore, if you have frequent backache, you are advised to drink more water during the day.
4. Tiredness and mood swings
Water carries oxygen to the body. The more oxygenated the cells, the greater the sense of wellbeing. If you do not drink enough water, the body has to seek oxygen from the blood. When the body does not receive enough oxygen, it starts to function more slowly. As a result, it has to work harder to stay functioning and the effects of this extra work will make a person tired, moody and lethargic.
5. Insatiable hunger even after eating
Hunger usually represents the desire to eat, but it can also mean not having drunk enough water. The stimulus of hunger and thirst come from the same part of the brain and can explain the confusion. The best way to differentiate between hunger and thirst is to try drinking a glass of water to see if the ache diminishes. However, if it persists, it means you need to eat something.
by editorial staff
