Most people assume they are drinking enough water, but your body might be quietly signalling otherwise. Dehydration doesn’t always make itself obvious. Sometimes, it shows up as subtle symptoms that many people overlook. Recognising these signs early can prevent more serious health issues and keep your body functioning optimally.
Dr Sweta Himatsingka (a nutritionist and lifestyle influencer with over 10.5k followers on Instagram) shared a video highlighting the indicators of dehydration. She wrote, “Most people think they are drinking enough water. Your body may be telling a different story. Constant thirst, dry skin, low energy, and even headaches can all be hidden signs of dehydration. In this video, I’m breaking down the 8 clear warning signs you’re not drinking enough water and why they matter for your health, skin, and energy.”
Dehydration: 8 Signs Your Body Has Low Water Intake
1. Constant Thirst
Feeling thirsty is your body’s direct way of saying it needs more water. If you’re frequently reaching for a drink, it’s a clear warning that your fluid intake is insufficient.
2. Dry Skin
Skin dryness and reduced elasticity can indicate dehydration. A quick test is to pinch the skin on the back of your hand; if it doesn’t bounce back quickly, it’s time to drink more water.
3. Persistent Fatigue
Low energy and tiredness can result from inadequate hydration. When dehydrated, your heart has to work harder to pump oxygen to your muscles, leaving you feeling drained.
4. Dry Mouth and Lips
A dry mouth or chapped lips often point to dehydration. Without enough fluids, saliva production drops, causing discomfort.
5. Frequent Headaches
Reduced blood flow and oxygen to the brain due to low hydration can trigger headaches. Regular headaches may be a sign that you need more fluids.
6. Constipation
Water keeps your digestive system moving smoothly. Insufficient hydration can slow bowel movements, causing constipation.
7. Dizziness Upon Standing
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy when standing quickly can signal low blood volume from dehydration, leading to a drop in blood pressure.
8. Muscle Cramps
Dehydration can upset your electrolyte balance, causing muscle cramps. This is especially noticeable during physical activity.
Tips To Stay Properly Hydrated
1. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, or more if you’re active or in hot climates.
2. Eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges.
3. Check your urine colour: pale yellow indicates good hydration, while dark yellow suggests you need more fluids.
Your body relies on water for nearly every function. By recognising these subtle signs and taking action, you can protect your health, boost energy levels and keep your skin looking fresh. Don’t wait until thirst hits. Make hydration a daily habit.
