What Happens if You Don’t Drink Enough Water?

Inadequate hydration, even if you don’t realize the shortfall, is linked to lousy moods, higher disease risk, and now: shorter life. Find out how much water you need and how to know if you’re getting enough.

Image: Pexels/Anna Shvets

You are 55–60% water. You need lots of it every day to keep your body and mind functioning properly. A mere three days without water and poof, you’re gone. But new research adds to a steady stream of evidence for damage done to the mind and body, on a daily basis and over time, by shortfalls you might not even notice each day.

A sufficient supply of water allows food to properly digest. It cleans your brain and bloodstream of toxins, regulates blood pressure and body temperature, and lubricates your joints. Naturally, you’re constantly losing water through pee and sweat. If you don’t consistently replace it, a water shortage can develop quickly. Mild dehydration, though you may not be consciously aware of it, can…

• worsen your mood
• blunt your ability to think clearly
• hamper sleep and sap your energy
• cut into your productivity and physical performance
• raise the risk of heart…