Seven Signs you aren’t Drinking Enough Water
Did you know that our bodies are composed of 60% water? The body needs water for optimal functioning, with vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and even the skin predominantly composed of this essential element.
I talk a lot about the importance of water and hydration on Instagram, and how it affects perimenopause symptoms. Prioritizing hydration guarantees that our bodies operate seamlessly. When water intake falls short, dehydration can happen much quicker than you think. Fortunately, our body sends warning signals before reaching this critical state, so please pay attention to these warning signs.
According to information from the Cleveland Clinic, it's recommended that, on average, men aim for 3.7 liters (approximately 124 oz.) and women for 2.7 liters (about 92 oz.) of daily water intake. This includes water from beverages and food; approximately 20% of daily fluid intake is obtained from food.
I like to make it easy and tell women that they should drink ½ of their body weight in ounces of water every day. If you weigh 150 lbs, you should consume a minimum of 75 oz of each day.
The following dehydration signs are also many of the common symptoms of perimenopause that women suffer from. Simply reaching for a glass of water and habitually hydrating can go a long way in easing and sometimes eliminating the symptoms below.
Headaches: Have you ever experienced an unexplained headache? It might be your body signaling insufficient water intake. Fluid loss in the brain causes it to contract, leading to pressure and headaches.
Anxiety and Mood Swings: Mild dehydration can trigger crankiness and mood swings. When feeling off, consider your water intake. Studies show a connection between dehydration and feelings of depression, confusion, and anxiety.
Weight Gain: Insufficient water intake may lead to weight gain as the body enters "survival mode," holding onto existing water. This conservation slows down processes like digestion, impacting metabolism and contributing to weight gain. Combat false hunger signals by having water before snacks or meals. Often, what we interpret as hunger is a need for hydration.
Fatigue: Dehydration can cause blood pressure to drop, reducing blood flow to the brain and resulting in fatigue. Staying hydrated ensures optimal energy levels.
Bowel Issues and Cramps: Hydration significantly affects bowel movements. Difficulty in restroom use and cramps may be signs of dehydration. Listen to your body and reach for water if experiencing these issues.
Dry Skin: Dehydration manifests in dry skin, wrinkles, and flakiness. As the body's largest organ, the skin requires water for peak performance. Maintaining hydration helps reduce dry patches.
Dizziness: Dehydration leading to decreased blood pressure can cause a lack of oxygen to the brain, resulting in dizziness.
Look for an upcoming blog post where I'll dive deeper into how water and hydration affect perimenopause symptoms and hormone imbalances.
