Water is life. And yet we so often forget to drink enough of it in everyday life – especially us women, who often have to function between family, work and our own needs. But what actually happens to our bodies when we don’t drink enough?
In this article, you’ll find out how a lack of fluids affects your body – and why it’s so important to be conscious of water and fluids, especially from the age of 40.
Our body consists of around 60-70% water. Every cell, every organ and every body system depends on it. Water regulates our temperature, transports nutrients, flushes toxins out of the body and keeps our skin and joints supple.
If we drink too little, the body immediately switches to economy mode – and this is not without consequences.
A fluid loss of just 2% can have a noticeable effect:
Headaches & concentration problems
The blood supply to the brain is reduced. You feel tired, forgetful, “foggy”.
Circulatory problems & dizziness
A drop in blood pressure can occur, especially on warm days or during physical activity.
Dry skin & lips
The skin appears pale, tight or itchy – the first signs that the body lacks moisture.
Digestive problems
Without water, the intestines cannot work well – constipation is often the result.
Dark urine & infrequent urination
The body tries to conserve water – the urine becomes more concentrated and darker.
Chronic dehydration – a permanent lack of fluids – affects more people than you might think. Women over 40 in particular, who feel tired, lacking in energy or hormonally out of balance, benefit enormously from drinking more.
Long-term effects include
Kidney damage & urinary tract infections
The kidneys need water to excrete harmful substances. Drinking too little can overtax them.
Poor skin & premature ageing
Water is our natural anti-ageing agent – without sufficient hydration, the skin loses its elasticity.
Joint complaints
Joints also need fluids. Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms, especially at the start of the menopause.
Weaker immune system
Cells need water to function properly – including our immune cells. A lack of fluids weakens the immune system.
There is no general recommendation – because your requirements depend on many factors: Age, activity, temperature, diet.
As a rough guide:
1.5 to 2.5 liters of water per day
More if it’s hot, you’re exercising or the air is dry.
Tip:
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty – that’s a late warning signal. Get into the habit of having a fixed drinking routine: e.g. a glass of water straight after getting up, before every meal and small sips in between.
When you enter the menopause, many things change in the body – including the sensation of thirst. Many people drink even less, even though they need more. I recommend this: Drink your way back to energy, freshness and focus!
Some women drink more when the water tastes good. Citrus oils of tested quality (e.g. CPTG®) can naturally flavour your water.
Particularly popular: lemon, grapefruit or wild orange – they provide a fresh taste experience and can make daily drinking easier.
Important: Only use oils that are approved for internal use.
Drinking too little is no small matter – it is a silent burden on your body, skin, hormones and energy. Realize that every glass of water is a gift to yourself.
Would you like to take better care of yourself holistically?
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