3 alarming side effects of not drinking enough water

Health

All living organisms require water for survival. Regular hydration guarantees multiple health benefits to humans as water keeps their circulatory system in good shape. It also helps to nourish one’s skin and flush out toxins from within the body. Unsurprisingly, not drinking adequate amounts of water can result in severe health risks in the long term for individuals. Some of the major side effects of not drinking enough water are listed below.

Bad breath

Water supports the salivary glands to produce large amounts of saliva throughout the day. It helps to keep the mouth lubricated and avoids dry mouth-related issues. A key function of saliva is also to kill harmful bacteria in one’s gums and teeth. These benefits are of no use when one does not drink enough water throughout the day. One of the most significant side effects of insufficient saliva production is bad breath triggered by a dry mouth.

However, it is also a problem that can be resolved easily. By drinking adequate amounts of water daily, one can keep their mouth wet and moist at all times to avoid bad breath.

Thickening of blood

Water is a crucial contributor to the circulatory system. When the body lacks enough water, an individual’s blood tends to become thicker. It directly results in blood circulation to different body parts getting slower and more labored eventually. As a result, the heart has to utilize a lot more energy than usual to pump blood to all parts of one’s body.

It is why people who do not drink adequate amounts of water (about 3 to 4 liters) are more likely to develop cardiovascular disorders.

Low energy and fatigue

Due to slowed blood circulation, major organs, such as the brain, lungs, and kidneys, receive less oxygen and nutrition. This results in people who do not drink enough water daily to feel constantly tired and lethargic.