10 Ways to Know if You've Drunk Enough Water

We all understand the critical importance of drinking water for our bodies and what it means when the body doesn't receive an adequate amount. So how do we recognize when our body is crying out for water before it's too late? Read the following ten points to discover: 

1. "Mom, I'm Thirsty" - Your body is like a small child that cannot take care of itself and is entirely dependent on your actions. When you feel thirsty, it means that the small, 'unfortunate' child hasn't received the care and attention it needs, and this is its first signal: "I need water, not anything else. If you give me coffee or a fizzy drink, that's not what I need right now."

2. Joint Pain - Many internal systems in our bodies consist of water and need water to function efficiently. One such system is the bones and joints. Not only do water help maintain homeostasis (a stable internal environment), but in cases of falls, running, and jumping, water will also help absorb these sudden shocks. 

3. Dry Skin - One of the most visible signs that your body lacks sufficient water is the condition of the skin. But it's not just dry and cracked skin that's a sign of water deficiency; inadequate sweating is also a problem. Sweating is the body's way of getting rid of toxins and dirt. However, if we don't replenish our bodies with enough water, the sweating mechanism will be damaged, and the dirt (which must be expelled) will remain inside us. 

4. Why Won't the Flu Go Away? - Research shows a direct link between fluid deficiency and prolonged illness without the ability for the patient to recover. This situation can be seen as a 'strike' by our body organs because they are not receiving enough water, which is vital for their function. Why is this so important? Because if the organs don't find the needed water in time, they will start 'pulling' fluids from other systems, such as the blood vessels. This fact can exacerbate the situation and create new problems atop existing ones. 

5. Preventive Treatment for Inflammations - Drinking water is beneficial even for inflammations and rheumatic pains, allowing the proper 'maintenance' of muscle mass and preventing muscle-related diseases, such as sarcopenia (muscle wasting). 

6. Am I Really Hungry? - Many times, the body signals hunger, but in reality, it's not hunger but thirst for water. If we ravenously run to the fridge and devour everything at hand, it might help the brain alleviate its momentary distress, but it certainly won't solve the issue at its root. Water is water; food is food, and the body needs both in the correct amount. So please, don't be confused!

7. Sensitive and Irritable Stomach? There's a Solution - It turns out that water is also directly related to various digestive problems that many suffer from. A sensitive stomach that refuses to take in food, an irritable bowel that frequently needs the restroom, and more, are all issues that can be solved with a bit more effort and awareness. 

8. Frequency of Urination - The number of times we urinate serves as an easy and simple measure to assess the water level in our body. If we have drunk enough water, we should need to urinate between 5 to 7 times during the day. 

9. Urine Color - Not only does the frequency of bathroom trips matter, but also the color of the urine. Remember: dark urine color always indicates a water deficiency. Light urine color suggests that the amount of water in your body is adequate and satisfactory. 

10. Unexplained Fatigue and Heaviness - Water, did we mention it? Yes, yes. If you frequently suffer from heaviness and fatigue, even after a full night's sleep, we suggest sticking with a water bottle and not stopping to drink. Good luck!