All too often we find ourselves with a dry mouth, scratchy throat, and in need of a cold glass of water. When your thirst gets to this point, your body is already running too low in terms of hydration. You should always keep in mind that dehydration is more than just a dry throat – It has serious effects throughout the entire body that will make you think twice the next time you feel yourself getting thirsty.
How Do We Lose Water?
Our bodies are constantly losing water throughout the day, which is why we need to constantly hydrate to replenish what is lost during normal daily activities. We lose water on a daily basis from:
- Urinating
- Sweating
- Producing saliva
Effects of Dehydration
The human body needs water to live, and the effects of dehydration can quickly turn serious and even life-threatening. As you lose fluid, your blood becomes more concentrated, making your cardiovascular system work harder to efficiently pump blood. A high blood concentration also makes your kidneys retain more water, which is why you urinate less. As dehydration progresses, you eventually lose fluid around the brain tissue which will affect your overall cell function. It is crucial to nip dehydration in the bud or avoid it altogether.