There are so many benefits to staying hydrated, but it’s often hard to tell how much is enough.
According to the institute of medicine; women should drink around 2.7 litres of water per day, and it’s more like 3.7 for men! Now that seems like a lot but you do get some of it from your food, so don’t panic and start carrying a 3-litre bottle on your back to sip on!
There are a few tell tale signs that you’re not getting enough H2O and if you haven’t recognized them already, here are 6 signs you’re just not drinking enough water.
You are feeling tired.
Lethargy can be a sign that your body is slowing itself down to conserve precious water reserves. If you always get your full 8 hours but are still yawning throughout the week, it’s likely you need an extra glass or two a day!
A loss of concentration.
Linked pretty closely to feeling tired, losing concentration is another key indicator that you’re dehydrated. Do you ever get to 11am and find your eyes losing focus? You have to read the same paragraph 4 times over before taking any of it in? Step away from your desk and top up that water bottle, it could make all the difference.
Hunger.
We get a certain percentage of our daily water intake from food. If you find yourself reaching for more food it might be because your body is craving liquid, and you’re mistaking those feelings for hunger pangs. I’m not saying down a pint of water every time you’re feeling peckish, but keep a glass of water next to you and it should stave off any unnecessary snacking.
Dry lips.
Maybe an obvious one, but not everybody realises how dehydration affects your skin and body. If you’re constantly applying the lip balm before thinking about how much liquid you’re getting, try tackling the problem at the source rather than dampening down the symptoms.
Poor digestion.
Often digestion problems are linked to a lack of fibre or leafy greens, but water is a key player too!
Sipping water throughout the day and keeping hydrated is vital to good gut health.
Wrinkles.
Yep, the W word! Wrinkling skin and premature ageing are signs you aren’t drinking enough. As we get older, our bodies retain less water, meaning that naturally we need to take more in to keep us ticking along smoothly.
I know I’ll be drinking more of the clear stuff from now on!