7 Signs that you are Dehydrated

It’s widely recommended that we drink at least eight glasses of water every day, yet a study undertaken in 2014 with 30,000 people found that less than 1% consumed that amount. In fact the majority of the participants struggled to even drink two glasses! This is a surprising statistic, when you consider that water is so important to our daily functioning. The UK government have been urging people to increase their water intake and cut back on sugary drinks, coffee and tea. We’ve all become so used to ordering a coke in a restaurant and with the exceptionally low price in the supermarkets, many of us have made it our daily routine instead of just a treat. rnSo how can you tell if you’re drinking enough water? Your body actually has its own signs and ways of telling you that it needs more water. Here, the UK’s leading watercooler suppliers, Cooleraid, give us the rundown on what we need to be looking out for. rn1. Dry SkinrnIf you are dehydrated, your skin is often dry and can be quite rough to the touch. Skin disorders like psoriasis can actually be triggered by dehydration, so it’s important to keep your fluids topped up. Also, if you aren’t drinking enough water, your body can’t sweat out all the excess dirt and oils which can make you prone to breakouts. rn2. Feeling LethargicrnAre you tired all the time? Do you catch yourself yawning more than you should in a day? Dehydration is one of the main causes of fatigue, so if you’re feeling low on energy this could be why. Ensuring you’re consuming the recommended amount of water a day will help to keep that mid-afternoon tiredness at bay.rn3. Aching Joints rnThe cartilage in our joints is made up of an estimated 80% water, so it’s not surprising that they require a steady flow of water in order to cushion the bone and remain comfortable. A lack of water in your system is likely to cause aching and discomfort in your joints. However, this symptom could be related to other issues so it’s a good idea to consult your doctor regarding this. rn4. Dry EyesrnHave you ever noticed that your eyes feel dry, or have the urge to blink more often than usual? This could mean you’re dehydrated. When there isn’t enough fluid in our body, our tear ducts can actually dry up. This obviously isn’t healthy for our eyes and leaves you with that dry sensation. Take care of your eyes and make sure you keep reaching for the tap. rn5. Excessive SnackingrnDo you eat your meals, but find yourself snacking a short while later? When we’re dehydrated, our bodies often mistake it for hunger. So those frequent hunger pangs might in fact be your body crying out for some water. The next time hunger strikes shortly after you’ve eaten, try to have a glass of water first before you reach for that packet of crisps! rn6. ConstipationrnWater keeps everything in your body moving, and we mean everything! If you’re not drinking as much water as you should be then your large intestine will absorb water from your food which can hinder your ability to pass stools freely. If that’s not enough reason to reach for a glass of water….rn7. Concentration problemsrnDehydration strongly impacts our overall mood and our ability to concentrate. If you’re unable to concentrate and think clearly, it could be a result of not consuming enough water. It can affect our ability to learn and our memory too. If you find yourself struggling with simple tasks, or a general lack of focus then upping your water intake might just help you.