Here are the five changes you can expect when you start drinking sufficient water every day:
Your H2O intake is probably low if you are suffering from frequent constipation. One of the most effective ways to improve your bowel movement is to drink enough water.
"People who drink enough water usually have regular bowel movements. Hard bowel movements or constipation can be a sign that you aren’t getting enough water," said Dr. Ronald Navarro, orthopedic and sport medicine surgeon at Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center.
Some studies suggested that mild dehydration could impair mental performance, potentially affecting daily productivity. A research also highlighted how the habit of drinking enough water should be taught to children who spend most of their days in the classroom.
"[Even] a minor degree of dehydration can disrupt brain functioning," said Professor David Benton from Swansea University, England.
The color of your urine is a good indicator of whether you are drinking enough water on a daily basis. A very pale shade of yellow indicates that your water intake is at a healthy level.
But, regular yellow or a dark shade of yellow means that your body is feeling dehydrated. No color or transparent urine may suggest that you are drinking too much water and you need to reduce your intake.
According to Dr. John Higgins, a professor at the University of Texas, our body tends to misinterpret thirst as hunger.
"When you’re dehydrated, it can be difficult for organs like the liver, which uses water, to release [stored glucose] and other components of your energy stores, so you can actually get cravings for food," he said.
Drinking enough water and consuming fruits through the day can help ease the process and regulate your appetite.
Experts stated that mild dehydration can make you tired and reduce your energy levels. Our body needs to compensate by decreasing blood circulation when we have insufficient water levels. This will then slow down the process of getting oxygen to your muscles.
This is one of the reasons why we need to stay hydrated through an intense workout or on a particularly hot day when you are likely to lose water via sweat. Increase your water intake if you are prone to involuntary muscle contractions or cramps.
