Your body on dehydration

Do you have a water bottle close by? You’ll want a top up after reading what lack of H20 can do.

Why everyone is always saying we need to keep topping up with water

BRAIN

Dehydration slam-dunks your ability to think, concentrate and problem solve,

US research shows.

MOOD

Even mild dehydration can lead to crankiness and irritability, according to a small US study.

BLOOD

As your body loses water, your blood thickens. This slows delivery of oxygen and nutrients

to cells and may cause dizziness.

HEART

Mild dehydration of 2 per cent (when you just feel thirsty) can impair heart function as much

as smoking one cigarette, research shows.

LIVER

This organ is less able to release glycogens for energy and muscle function. Your body mistakes

this as a lack of food. Hello hunger!

KIDNEYS

Wastes and acids in the body can build up and contribute to formation of kidney stones and

urinary tract infections.

GUT

As digested food passes into your colon, the body draws out water, leading to harder

stools and so constipation.

JOINTS

Your body draws liquid from the synovial fluid

that lubricates joints, which may feel stiffer.

MUSCLES

Levels of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and sodium drop, which may cause

muscle cramps. Ouch!