We often neglect our body’s needs despite knowing that it can culminate into long-term health issues. For instance, at times, we go a day without having a sip of water owing to preoccupations that do not matter as much as our health does. Going without water for an entire day can lead to dehydration, which disrupts several bodily functions. From fatigue to organ strain, the effects can escalate rapidly.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Preeti Teotia, Senior Dietician, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi explains, “Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for overall health as water plays a vital role in various bodily functions. Abstaining from water intake for an entire day can lead to severe adverse effects.” Here’s a complete lowdown on what happens if you go a day without drinking water.
1. Initial Signs of Dehydration
The first signs of dehydration are often subtle but can escalate quickly. You may notice headaches, fatigue, and dry mouth. Teotia adds, “Even mild dehydration can cause dizziness, reduced alertness, and fatigue. Severe dehydration, however, may result in confusion, a rapid heartbeat, and even organ failure in extreme cases.”
Dark urine is another early indicator. The kidneys produce urine with less water content to conserve the body’s limited fluid supply, resulting in concentrated, dark-yellow urine.
2. Constipation
Skipping water affects digestion significantly. There are water receptors in the colon that pull water from the body to make stools softer. Teotia highlights, “Without enough water, hard stools and constipation can occur, often accompanied by abdominal pain and cramps.” This slowdown in digestion also leads to bloating and discomfort, further impacting your energy and overall well-being.
3. Skin Health
Dehydration often shows on your skin. Without sufficient hydration, skin appears dull, dry, and less elastic. Dry, itchy, and uneven skin is a common result of dehydration. Fine wrinkles also become more visible, hydration not only keeps your skin radiant but also supports its natural barrier function, protecting against environmental damage.
4. Cognitive And Physical Performance
Lack of water directly affects your brain and body. Cognitive functions like memory, focus, and alertness suffer, even with mild dehydration. Teotia notes, “Dehydration impairs concentration and cognitive function, making everyday tasks more challenging.”
Physical performance is equally impacted. Dehydration reduces endurance, increases fatigue, and disrupts the body’s ability to regulate temperature. This combination can make even simple activities feel exhausting.
5. Serious Long-Term Risks
If dehydration persists, it can lead to severe health complications. Rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and organ strain are common outcomes. Chronic dehydration can also affect your kidneys and heart, potentially leading to long-term damage.
Teotia emphasises, “Dehydration impacts fluid-electrolyte balance and essential bodily functions like cardiovascular efficiency and temperature regulation.” She further notes that water alone may not suffice in severe cases, as electrolyte replenishment is equally important.
RELATED: Silent Dehydration: How To Identify It Before It Becomes Severe
How To Stay Hydrated?
To avoid dehydration, aim to drink water consistently throughout the day. Monitor your urine colour as a simple hydration check, it should be light yellow. Incorporate fruits rich in water and vegetables like cucumbers and watermelon into your diet. In cases of extreme dehydration, electrolyte solutions may be necessary to restore fluid balance effectively.
Bottomline
Water is not just to quench one’s thirst, it’s vital for your body’s overall health and functioning. Hydration isn’t optional, aday without water can disrupt your body’s processes, making everyday activities more challenging and affecting your overall health. More so, this seemingly trivial neglect will show up in the long run, causing irreversible disruptions to your health.