Symptoms of Dehydration

• When a person stops drinking water or doesn't drink enough, they can become dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration include dry and sticky mouth, sunken eyes, not producing enough tears, little to no urine output and lethargy, according to the National Institutes of Health. People who don't drink enough water may also develop low blood pressure and a rapid heart rate.

What Happens if You Don't Drink Enough Water?

• The body cannot survive without water. Water consumption helps the body breathe, because it moistens the lungs. Lung functions can use up to a pint of water every day, decreasing the body's moisture through exhalation. When that liquid isn't replaced, it makes it difficult to breathe. People who don't drink enough fluids can also gain excess body fat, have poor muscle tone and a decreased ability to digest food.

How Much Water Should People Drink per Day?

• Most people live in a state of dehydration and don't even know it, according to NaturoDoc.com. However, if people follow the general recommendation to consume eight to ten glasses of water a day, they can stay properly hydrated. This water intake should be spread throughout the day so there isn't the constant urge to head to the bathroom.
  
  
  

Caffeinated and Alcoholic Beverages

• While caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are liquid, they don't necessarily quench the thirst. This is because products such as soda, coffee and beer cause the body to become dehydrated. These beverages actually hasten the body's elimination of fluids. When this occurs, mild symptoms of dehydration are experienced, including heartburn, stomachache, lower back pain, headaches and depression.

Eating a Healthy Diet

• Eating a healthy diet that contains at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day is also important, since most of the body's daily fluid intake comes from what we eat. If you find that you're extremely thirsty, not eating a healthy diet, or feeling dehydrated, drink cold water rather than hot water. According to Southern Cross Health Insurance, the body absorbs cold water more quickly.