The human body consists of 70% water. If you drink too little water, your body becomes ill. People often underestimate the amount of fluid they need to drink every day. Many people do not drink enough, especially on colder days, because the body only signals thirst when it is already dehydrated. 

Symptoms of a lack of fluid in the body

 

Typical symptoms in people who drink too little are dry mouth, thick saliva, sunken eyes, dry eyes, infrequent urination, dark yellow urine, listlessness, low blood pressure and palpitations.

 

The body cannot survive without sufficient water. The body's organs need water in order to function. The function of the lungs alone can consume up to half a litre of water a day. If the depleted water is not replaced, breathing difficulties can occur. People who drink too little over a long period of time can produce excess body fat. Muscles also do not develop properly and the body is prone to digestive problems.

 

Especially in winter, many people live on the brink of dehydration without realising it. On normal days, the recommended fluid intake is eight to ten glasses a day, and correspondingly more on hot days. The water should be drunk evenly throughout the day.

Alcohol and sugary drinks may be liquid, but they do not necessarily quench thirst. In fact, they can have a dehydrating effect and thus lead to a lack of fluids in the body. Typical symptoms of temporary dehydration caused by alcoholic drinks include heartburn, stomach ache, headache, lower back pain and depression.

 

In addition to the recommended eight to ten glasses of water a day, healthy foods should be included in your diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables and yoghurt are water-rich foods and therefore provide the body with additional fluid, while highly salted or dry foods consume more water for the digestive process.

 

If you are extremely thirsty and feel dehydrated, you should drink cold water. Cold water is absorbed more quickly by the body than a hot drink.