Chronic dehydration can have a profound effect on the body, causing dry skin, digestive problems, fatigue, joint damage, and more. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is recommended, and other drinks and fruits and vegetables can also contribute to hydration. Caffeine can have a dehydrating effect.
Chronic dehydration is a condition that occurs when a person fails to drink an adequate amount of water on a regular or long-term basis. If so, the person’s body may not be hydrated enough to perform its normal bodily functions as it should. Unlike severe dehydration, chronic dehydration may not cause immediate or noticeable symptoms. However, many believe it can have a profound effect on the body.
It is generally accepted that a person needs about six to eight glasses of water every day. However, other types of drinks contribute to a person’s overall intake. For example, drinking juice and milk can help a person stay hydrated, but these drinks also add sugar and calories while water contains neither. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help a person stay hydrated. Beverages containing caffeine are not considered good choices for staying hydrated, as caffeine can have a dehydrating effect.
One effect of chronic dehydration is dry skin. A person who doesn’t drink enough water or other liquids may notice dry, flaky skin that takes on a dull appearance. His skin may itch and his lips may also crack. This can also affect his scalp, leading to excessive dryness, flaking and itching in that area. While using skin and scalp moisturizers can help, the effects are only temporary. To see real improvement in dry skin, a person should drink more water and other fluids.
A person with chronic dehydration may also experience problems related to digestion, as water is vital for both digesting food and eliminating waste from the body. A person who is chronically dehydrated may have frequent indigestion or bouts of unexplained nausea and vomiting. They may also struggle with frequent constipation, as stools become dry and difficult to pass when a person is dehydrated.
Without enough water in the body, a person may also seem more tired than usual. This is because blood contains plasma, a fluid that carries hormones and nutrients throughout the body, and plasma is about 90 percent water. Without enough water, the heart has to work harder to pump less than normal amount of blood through the body and ensure that the muscles are getting enough oxygen. This can cause a person to feel more tired than normal.
Drinking too little fluid can also have an effect on a person’s joints. Water makes up a large portion of cartilage, and cartilage can be damaged due to low fluid intake. In fact, a person who is chronically dehydrated may be more likely to suffer from arthritis and other joint conditions. The discs of the spine can also be affected, as they contain water, becoming herniated and causing pain to the affected person.
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