16 Alarming Side Effects of not Drinking Enough Water

Not drinking enough water might be owing to some very clear reasons. Nonetheless, these reasons do not mean that lack or insufficiency is right or can be managed. This is because there is no doubt that water takes a preeminent place or plays an important role in the sustenance of the human health. Highlighting 16 alarming side effects of not drinking enough water can be an educative eye-opener that will help you see what you have been missing since you have taken solace in those flimsy reasons for its insufficiency!

Water, just like food, can sustain the human body and generally, the human life for such a long period of time as it has been scientifically proven to be capable of facilitating survival just like food. Apart from that fact, water is also recorded to be a vital substance or consumption that has the potential of flushing unwanted particles out of the body through several means or body outlets.

By medical definition and concept, it is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula H₂O.

Visually, water can be said to be a transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance which is the main constituent of Earth’s hydrosphere and the fluids of all known living organisms. Structurally and functionally, it is vital for all known forms of life, despite not providing food energy or organic micronutrients. Its chemical formula, H₂O, indicates that each of its molecules contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms, connected by covalent bonds.

Hence, not taking this very important and essential substance for days or regularly in a day is quite ironical of the standing fact that states that water itself, geographically, covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface. If it takes a large of the earth in which we live, what says it is not important enough to take care of our body?

The truth if our body can be totally drained of water and left with bones, then we will get to see how important and useful water is in the body. Let us share with you some of the 16 alarming side effects of not drinking enough water regularly as you go about your daily life:

• Stubborn Headaches

When you’re dehydrated from not drinking enough water, you might experience dehydration headaches — ranging from mild head pain to a full-blown migraine.

While the exact cause behind dehydration headaches is still unclear, research shows your brain may temporarily contract, giving way to the theory that the contractions can put pressure on the pain-sensitive layers of tissue surrounding your brain.

Furthermore, the same research revealed that about 2 cups of water relieved the headache for 22 subjects (out of 34 subjects ) within a half-hour, while 11 subjects felt total relief one to three hours later after consuming 3 cups of water.

• Persistent Fatigue, Mood Changes, and Lack of Focus

Low energy levels, brain fog, and lack of focus are another set of possible side effects of not drinking enough water and low fluid intake. As a result, your productivity and relationships may suffer. A study on 20 healthy women who underwent fluid deprivation for 24 hours and its effect on their moods revealed that confusion, fatigue, and changes in alertness and vigor were evident following mild dehydration.

Interestingly, only confusion and alertness (not vigor and fatigue) were improved immediately after water intake without limits. Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Connecticut found that mildly dehydrated subjects had significant reductions in their energy levels and the ability to think clearly. They also reported low moods alongside cranky feelings.

• Electrolyte Imbalance

Inadequate hydration can disrupt electrolyte balance, potentially leading to various health issues, including muscle cramps and increased blood acidity. 

• Sluggish Digestion

If you’re sufficiently hydrated, water receptors in your colon pull water from your bloodstream to your intestines to bulk up and soften stools.

As a result, you are likely to experience sluggish digestion and possibly constipation if you’re dehydrated. Chronic constipation in adults appears to result from low water intake, alongside other factors. You may also experience side effects such as cramps and stomach pain.

• Decreased Blood Pressure

Dehydration may lead to decreased blood volume, increased heart rate, and lowered blood pressure, potentially causing fainting or orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is when blood pressure suddenly decreases due to a change in body position (for example, from sitting to standing). 

• Premature Skin Aging

Dehydration can lead to skin dryness and inflammation, accelerating the aging process. It can be seen from dry skin and lips.

• Dry Skin

Another very amazing side effects of not drinking enough water is dry skin. Have you been suffering from dry, dull skin that doesn’t respond well to using moisturizers and lotion? You’re probably suffering from dehydrated skin as a result of not drinking enough water.

One way to tell if you have dry skin due to dehydration is to watch for other signs of dehydration like dark-colored urine, extreme thirst, dizziness, dry eyes, dry mouth, and headache. You can’t tackle dehydration fast just by drinking more water. You need a precise balance of glucose, sodium, and other electrolytes to hydrate fast.

• Balance Issues and Vertigo

Dehydration may impact the vestibular system, affecting balance and causing vertigo. The vestibular system is a system that functions to regulate and maintain body balance.

That’s why when you don’t drink enough, you may feel unsteady, have difficulty controlling your body balance, and even experience vertigo. 

• Increased Risk of Kidney Stone Formation

If you’re not drinking enough water, you are also increasing your risk of developing kidney stones. These stones form quickly because there’s less water and fluids to stop stone-forming crystals from forming together.

• Kidney Disease

You should also know that chronic heat stress and dehydration are considered an essential component of the epidemic of chronic kidney disease.

• Urinary Tract Infections

Meanwhile, prolonged bouts of dehydration can also increase one’s chances of developing urinary tract infections. For this reason, individuals with recurrent UTIs (urinary tract infections) are encouraged to drink more fluids.

• Negative Impact on Mental Performance

If you don’t drink water enough, your physical and mental performance is likely to be affected. For example, fluid loss that’s equal to 1-2% of your body mass (for example, a 1.4 kg loss in a 70 kg person) is enough to cause a noticeable reduction in your cognitive performance.

• Negative Impact on Physical Performance

Furthermore, dehydration can also impact physical performance and put you at higher risk of injury. A study at CSU found fluid loss that’s equal to 2.9% of your body mass due to dehydration decreases the ability to generate upper and lower body strength. Based on this finding, coaches and athletes are encouraged to watch out for dehydration, which can also increase an athlete’s chance of getting injured.

• Difficulty defecating

Insufficient fluid intake can contribute to constipation, as reduced hydration levels impede smooth digestion and bowel movements. Defecating less than three times a week is a sign that you are constipated.

• Joint Pain

Cartilage and its structures contain 80% water. Reduced fluid intake can affect cartilage function, leading to increased joint friction and pain. 

• Reduced Cognitive Function

Dehydration may impair cognitive function, affecting memory, concentration, and cognitive processing. 

What Are the Effects of Lack of Water?

Below are some of the very little troubles that not taking enough water can bring to one: