Accounting for more than 60% of the human body, water is integral for survival. Hydration facilitates digestive functions, helps maintain temperature, and ensures proper circulation. Health experts and nutritionists advise adults to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily to ensure optimum health. Insufficient water intake can lead to several complications, such as dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, and more. Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of not drinking enough water. Dehydration The first noticeable side effect of poor drinking habits is dehydration. As the term suggests, this is a condition in which the body lacks enough water and cannot function properly. It can lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, dark yellow urine, thirst, and dry mouth. Some severe symptoms include feeling lightheaded or confused. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to life-threatening complications like kidney failure, seizures, and other severe conditions. Skin changes Dry and flaky skin are common symptoms of insufficient water intake. Drinking enough glasses of water during the day is important to keep the skin naturally hydrated and moisturized from within. Many nutritionists also recommend eating hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and similar foods, which helps keep the skin’s elasticity intact, making it appear youthful.

The secret to maintaining good health may be eating healthy and staying active. However, the importance of water cannot be overlooked, as every organ in the body needs sufficient water to function properly. Water also aids in lubricating the joints and maintaining body temperature. In fact, drinking insufficient water throughout the day can lead to various side effects, such as urinary problems and dizziness. In severe cases, it can even lead to kidney stones. 4 common side effects of insufficient water intake Persistent headaches One of the first side effects of insufficient water intake is the presence of persistent headaches, which can result in throbbing pain and hinder daily activities. Hence, when suffering from persistent headaches, it’s suggested that an individual consume a large glass of water and rest until the headache disappears. In most cases, dehydration-related headaches should disappear in a couple of hours after consuming water. Low energy or fatigue When an individual is dehydrated, they may notice a drop in their energy levels. They may face symptoms such as decreased focus, lightheadedness, and dizziness. The dehydration can worsen during the afternoons due to continued inadequate water intake, worsening the fatigue, and they may be unable to go about their day as usual.

The brain controls all actions in the body using an intricate network of nerves connecting everything from head to toe. Parkinson’s is a neurological progressive disease that affects this network and disrupts vital nerve signals controlling body parts and functions. The disease does not have a permanent cure. But its symptoms can be managed with treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. One must recognize early signs of Parkinson’s disease to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Tremors Stress or physical fatigue can trigger shaky hands. However, a tremor that develops in the thumb, one of the fingers, the hand, or even the chin while resting may be an early sign of Parkinson’s. Tremors can start in the fingers but can turn into severely uncontrolled movements affecting the entire arm as the condition progresses. Poor balance, posture, and gait Changes in one’s walk and pace, like suddenly walking slower, could be another early sign of the disease. Parkinson’s also affects the nerves that control flexibility and balance. If the person takes more time or struggles with maintaining balance, it indicates damage to the basal ganglia nerves. Changes in stance are also noticeable as the disease progresses, with one developing a stooped or hunched-over posture.

The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health. Margarine Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems. Red meat Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina. Fish Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active.

An adage states, “you are what you eat,” which might be more accurate than we believe today. The food you eat has much more to do with your health than you would like to give it credit. Your eating and lifestyle habits dictate the kind of health you live with. It also impacts the health of all your organs. Hence, it is evident that eating harmful foods will undoubtedly harm crucial health factors like vision. Saturated fat Frequent and unchecked intake of fatty foods is one of the biggest reasons for the rise in health conditions. It is responsible for serious health issues in the long run. Saturated fats are present in everything from your favorite pack of chips to burgers and baked food. Therefore, replacing saturated fats in meals with unsaturated fats is advised as it increases the risk of developing conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Lean protein sources, vegetables, and dry fruits are some of the healthiest sources of good-quality fat. Margarine Marketing strategies have made everyone believe margarine is a much healthier alternative to butter. However, contrary to such beliefs, it is loaded with trans fats. Continued use of margarine in meals is a source of increased cholesterol levels in the body and can result in clogged-up blood vessels in the body.

The increasing number of people falling prey to cancer is rising, and ensuring that every home remains safe has become more important. Unbeknownst to many of us, numerous products we bring into our homes repeatedly contribute to the increased cancer risk. From everyday products found in kitchens to unsuspecting items in bathrooms and beyond, we can make changes that can create healthier environments and help prioritize our well-being. Let’s learn which household items to avoid. Cleaning products Most conventional cleaning products are being flagged for being harmful to health. They contain chemicals that make these products endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and in some cases, respiratory irritants. Various ingredients, including ammonia, formaldehyde, and phthalates, have been researched to be associated with different types of cancer. To avoid the risk of the disease, adopting eco-friendly alternatives with natural compounds is suggested. You can also use kitchen ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon to make your cleaners at home. Personal care products We are constantly bombarded with a range of personal care products that pop up in the market every day. And this drives our curiosity to try and test various products that claim to have so many benefits. However, some personal care products like soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and others can contain harmful ingredients.

Atrial fibrillation is a condition characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia, which begins in the heart’s upper chambers or atria. As less blood is pumped out of the atria, it can accumulate in this region, causing blood clots and increasing the chances of developing a stroke. In addition to timely treatment, a healthy lifestyle and meal plan can help one recover from atrial fibrillation. Here are some foods people with the condition should avoid: Processed foods Processed foods contain salt in large amounts, so they can increase sodium levels in the body. High blood pressure and heart disease are common consequences of a high-sodium meal plan. So, those with atrial fibrillation should avoid processed foods like frozen pizza and extremely salty foods like fries, chips, and burgers and replace them with healthy carb and fat sources. Red meat Although red meat is an excellent source of iron and protein, it is rich in saturated fats, which can increase the risk of developing heart diseases and aggravate atrial fibrillation symptoms. So, when dealing with atrial fibrillation, one should limit their red meat intake, replacing it with lean meat sources like poultry and venison. Sugary foods Studies have demonstrated that those with type-2 diabetes are more susceptible to developing atrial fibrillation than those with normal blood sugar levels.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver. It builds healthy cell membranes, vitamin D, and certain hormones. Since it cannot dissolve in water, it does not travel through the bloodstream. It is carried by lipoproteins, which are low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, or bad cholesterol) and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs, or good cholesterol). High amounts of LDL or low amounts of HDL can lead to fatty buildup in the blood vessels. High cholesterol To find out one’s cholesterol levels, a lipid profile may be required. Here’s what the results mean: Total cholesterol in adults These are the parameters to check one’s total cholesterol: Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL Borderline: 200 to 239 mg/dL High: 240 mg/dL or above LDL cholesterol in adults These are the parameters to check one’s LDL cholesterol: Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL Near-optimal: 100 to 129 mg/dL Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL High: 160 to 189 mg/dL Very high: 190 mg/dL or above HDL cholesterol in adults These are the parameters to check one’s HDL cholesterol: Optimal: 60 mg/dL or higher Borderline: 40 to 59 mg/dL among men and 50 to 50 mg/dL among women Low: Under 40 mg/dL among men and under 50 mg/dL among women Medicare insurance covers routine blood checkups for high cholesterol once every five years.

Red blood cells (RBCs) are essential to ensure the proper functioning of vital organs in the body. The transportation of nutrients and oxygen to these organs depends heavily on RBCs. It’s important to note that insufficient RBCs can lead to organ dysfunction, which is why maintaining a healthy RBC count is crucial. Fortunately, one way to achieve this is through proper nutrition. Several foods can help increase RBC count, ensuring the body functions at its best. Pumpkin seeds These seeds are well-known for their cardiovascular health benefits and can also help increase a person’s red blood cell count. Pumpkin seeds have a characteristic crunchy feel, making them a handy snack option for people to munch on every now and again. More importantly, these seeds contain almost eight milligrams of iron along with nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and manganese. All these elements are essential to boost red blood cell production in a person’s body. Moreover, pumpkin seeds also contain loads of copper, another mineral associated with increasing the red blood cells in the body and enhancing one’s immune system. As stated, pumpkin seeds can be eaten alone or sprinkled over smoothies or salads. Regardless of how one consumes them, pumpkin seeds are a great way to increase hemoglobin levels.

This may not be widely known, but diabetes can also affect eye health when the blood sugar levels are very high in the body. The condition typically has many signs and symptoms that point toward deteriorating eye health; for example, high sugar levels can change the fluid levels in the eyes, cause swelling, or even damage tiny blood vessels. So, let’s look at some of the signs of poor eye health due to high sugar. Blurry vision If you are suddenly experiencing blurry vision, this may be likely due to the high sugar level in the blood. Blurry vision is usually a temporary problem and can be resolved by getting the glucose back to normal. The normal blood sugar should be between 70-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL post meals. Once these numbers are under control, you can notice your blurry vision improving. It is said that it usually takes around 3 months of constant care and observation to fix the problem, so be consistent in your efforts, and you will see the results. Of course, always speak to your doctor to rule out any other causes for the blurry vision and ensure you are taking the right treatment.

Most people consume sugar on a daily basis. However, one may not know the dental problems associated with excessive sugar. These often include common issues such as cavities/tooth decay, tooth enamel erosion, gingivitis, and other diseases that can hamper oral health. If you are partial to fizzy drinks and sweets, you may want to learn about dental problems caused by excessive sugar and the signs to keep an eye out for. What are the common dental problems caused by excessive sugar? Tooth enamel erosion The shiny enamel layer on the teeth protects the body part against the effects of crunching, grinding, chewing, and biting. But it is susceptible to damage. So, when one drinks sodas and other sugary foods and beverages constantly, it can cause the bad bacteria in the mouth to eat away at the enamel, leading to its erosion. This can be further aggravated by the failure to clean the teeth regularly. Cavities/ Tooth decay Due to excessive consumption of sugar, one can have damaged areas in their teeth. These are commonly known as cavities and can develop into small holes or openings on the surface of the teeth. The main cause behind the formation of cavities is the bad bacteria in the mouth, namely Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbinus.