8 Signs You're Not Drinking Enough Water

Here, you’ll find 8 signs that are often experienced by people who are dehydrated and often indicate that you need to drink more water.

1. You’re Thirsty

It might be obvious, but it’s a telltale sign that you are clearly not drinking enough water.

The problem is, when we become stressed or are active, we often forget that these kinds of things can actually cause our bodies to use more water, resulting in states of dehydration.

2. Constipation

Crazy to think, but even your bowels need water to function properly.

You see, your intestines need water to keep the digestive environment lubricated and capable of moving digested food towards your colon (and the exit, of course).

So, when you’re not drinking enough water, your intestines begin to struggle with moving all of that digested food towards the exit and can cause a build-up, otherwise known as constipation.

3. The Color Of Your Urine

This is often pointed out throughout life, but when the urine is clear, so is your level of hydration (most of the time).

If your urine is a yellowish to amber color, there is a good chance you’re not getting enough water. Adequate water intake is reflected by a lighter yellow to clear appearance of urine.

4. Feeling Tired and Moody

That’s right, being dehydrated can make you feel tired and grumpy.

In fact, when researchers caused dehydration in women, it caused them to become more moody, but this effect was not as obvious in men.

5. The Look and Feel of Your Skin

The skin is a great indicator of hydration levels—keep an eye out for the indications mentioned above and make sure you drink enough water to allow your body to cool down during times of exercise or when working in hot environments.

6. Dry Mouth

A lack of water intake can reduce the ability of the mouth to produce saliva. Saliva helps keep the mouth lubricated and is largely composed of water. So, if you’re experiencing dry mouth and are thirsty, there is a good chance you are dehydrated.

7. Headaches

Not only can dehydration affect your cognitive function and mood, it can also cause you to experience headaches.

One study looked at the effects of dehydration caused by exercise and found that even becoming dehydrated by 1.36% caused problems in concentration, task difficulty and headaches!

8. Effects on the Heart

Just like every other cell in your body, your blood is made up of cells, which also must have adequate water to survive. Staying hydrated can prevent possible drops in blood pressure and heart flutters that may result from dehydration.