How To Know If You're Drinking Enough Water (And Some Signs You Probably Aren't)
How exactly do you know if you are drinking enough water?
Good question when you consider how vital staying hydrated is to our health. A study from the National Institute of Medicine says that women should be drinking 91 ounces of water a day while men should be drinking 125 ounces. But the study also noted that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to water consumption. Several variables come into play, like activity level, heat exposure, and the food you eat.
If you are unsure if you are getting enough water, have a look at the following list of strange things that happen when you don't get enough. It may just inspire you to drink a whole lot more!
1. You Wake Up With A Dry Mouth
Our bodies need water to produce saliva. According to the Mayo Clinic, waking up in the morning with a dry mouth may be a sign that you aren't getting enough water during the day.
2. Your Urine Is Super Yellow Or Amber
If you are well hydrated, your urine should be a light yellow -- almost clear. Super dark, super concentrated urine likely means you need to drink more water.
3. You Have Bad Breath
Saliva doesn't only lubricate the mouth, it also contains anti-bacterial qualities that can combat bad breath.
4. You're Often Constipated
Water lubricates our ENTIRE bodies -- including our digestive tract. Dehydration is a common cause of constipation. So, add a few more glasses of water during the day before you run for the over the counter remedies.
5. You Have Very Pronounced Wrinkles
Your skin is an organ and like the other organs in your body, it requires water to function. A lack of water can lead to sagging which makes the skin appear less plump and your wrinkles become more pronounced!
6. You're Often Tired, Even When You've Had Enough Sleep
Low energy and fatigue are common signs of dehydration. If you are feeling slow and sluggish on a daily basis and can't figure out why, add water. Make a serious effort to drink more water and you should see an improvement in no time.
7. You're Hungry Even When You Know You've Eaten Enough
Sometimes, our bodies tell us we're hungry when what we really need is a drink of water. So, if you've just had lunch but are still feeling hungry, try a glass of water before you grab a snack!
Tell us what you do to maintain adequate water consumption during the day!
Source: Bustle