`7 Warning Signs Your Body Is Not Getting Enough Water (Dehydration Symptoms)`

Do you often feel tired, have headaches, or have dark yellow urine? Your body may be telling you that you are not drinking enough water.

Many people in Nigeria walk around with mild dehydration every day without knowing it. Our hot weather in Imo State makes us lose water faster through sweat.

At Imo Media Hub Health Desk, we have listed 7 common signs that your body needs more water.

7 SIGNS YOUR BODY MAY NOT BE GETTING ENOUGH WATER

1. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness
If you feel tired even after sleeping, it could be dehydration. Water helps carry oxygen to your body cells. No water means low energy.

2. Dry Mouth and Dry Lips
This is the most obvious sign. If your mouth is always dry, your lips are cracked, and you feel thirsty often, you need to drink more water immediately.

3. Frequent Headaches
Dehydration reduces blood flow to the brain, which can cause headaches and migraine. Before you take Panadol, try drinking 2 glasses of water.

4. Dark Yellow Urine
Check your urine. Healthy urine should be pale yellow or light yellow. If your urine is dark yellow, deep yellow, or smells strongly, you are dehydrated.

5. Constipation
Water helps in digestion. When you don't drink enough water, your stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. Drinking water makes digestion easy.

6. Dizziness or Feeling Lightheaded
Do you feel dizzy when you stand up quickly? It could be because your blood pressure is low due to lack of water.

7. Poor Concentration and Forgetfulness
Your brain is 75% water. When you are dehydrated, you find it hard to concentrate, remember things, or focus at work or school.

WHY PROPER HYDRATION IS VERY IMPORTANT

Chronic dehydration can cause:
* Poor digestion and constipation
* Kidney stress and kidney stones
* Low metabolism and weight gain
* Low energy and mood swings
* Dry skin and pimples

That is why doctors say water is part of preventive healthcare.

SIMPLE DAILY HYDRATION TIPS THAT WORK

1. Start your day with 1 glass of warm water before brushing your teeth.
2. Always carry a water bottle when going to work, school, or market.
3. Don't wait until you are very thirsty before you drink water.
4. Drink water between meals, not just during meals.
5. Eat fruits and vegetables that contain water.

Examples of water-rich fruits you can find in Owerri markets:

* Watermelon
* Cucumber
* Oranges
* Pineapple
* Garden eggs

HOW MANY GLASSES OF WATER SHOULD YOU DRINK DAILY?

Doctors advise 8 glasses (about 2 to 3 litres) of water daily. But if you work under the sun in Imo State, you may need more.

Be honest: How many glasses of water did you drink yesterday?

Drop your answer in the comment section - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more than 8 glasses.

Let's improve our health together.

---
*Article Written by: Dietitian Blessing (Your No. 1 Food Doctor)*
*Edited & Published by: Imo Media Hub Health Desk - www.imomediahub.org*

*Disclaimer: This article is for health education only. If you have persistent symptoms, please visit a hospital or consult a qualified medical doctor