Water makes up over two-thirds of the weight of your body. It plays a role in each organ and system in your body. When you limit your water intake, dehydration can set in. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to serious side effects or even death.
Tissues, Joints and Organs
Think of water as your body's natural lubricant. Water helps to keep your eyes, nose and throat moist. Dryness in any of these areas can mean you need more water. Healthy joints also need water. Without water you can develop joint problems due to lack of lubrication and increased friction. Water helps your vital organs digest and store the nutrients they need for healthy function. Water also aids your organs by helping to dissolve the nutrients you ingest and transport them throughout the body.
Body Temperature
Water plays a large role when it comes to regulating your body temperature. Without water your body would continue to heat up. When you drink water, you are cooling down your body. Factors like heat and exercise can cause your body temperature to rise and then lose water through perspiration. It is important to stay fully hydrated to prevent instances of heat stroke.
Digestive Health
You've probably heard about the importance of foods containing fiber for digestive health, but water is equally important. One of the causes of constipation is dehydration. Drinking can help keep your digestive tract healthy and allow waste to pass through your body more easily. It also helps in the detoxification process. Water flushes both waste and toxins from your body.
How You Lose Water
How much water your body needs and how much water you lose can be influenced by several factors. Water is lost through basic bodily functions like sweating, urination, elimination and breathing. Exercise, environment, illness and pregnancy can all cause you to lose more water. You should not aim to prevent water loss, but rather you should try to stay hydrated throughout your day.
Dangers of Dehydration
Dehydration begins with an imbalance in your bodily fluids. If left untreated, this condition can continue to worsen. Light to moderate dehydration can cause a lack of saliva, urine discoloration, less urine, dry eyes and a rapid heartbeat. Severe dehydration can lead to nausea, vomiting and a drop in blood pressure that is the result of dehydration shock. If you are beginning to experience signs of dehydration such as thirst, fatigue, diarrhea or excessive vomiting, consult your physician immediately.
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