Are you drinking enough water every day?

Uhhm we think so. We have to go to the restroom sometimes, so that's a good sign, right? Hmm are you sure?

Since water makes ups 60% of our body, we need to drink enough water every day to maintain a healthy weight, remove toxins from our body and produce fluids like saliva. It also contributes optimal muscle performance, clear skin, regular bowel function, etc.

Here are 8 signs that might indicate you need to start drinking more water to benefit from improved health.

1. Fatigue

A lack of water can cause you to experience periods of fatigue and low energy, because your body tries to function without enough water. Not drinking enough water can cause an fluid loss in your body. This can lead to decrease blood volume which puts excess pressure on your hearth to deliver oxygen and nutrients to our organs, including the muscles.

If you feel this, despite getting a quality night's sleep, you may need to boost your water intake.

2. Bad Breath

Water is needed to produce salvia and rinse away bacteria to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Bacteria build up on the tongue, teeth and gums contributing to bad breath, because of lack of water inhabits salvia production. If you drink enough, and practice good oral hygiene, but continue to suffer from bad breath, it's wise to make an appointment with your doctor to check for any disease you were not aware of like diabetes or kidney problems.

3. Headache

When becoming dehydrated your brain tissue loses water causing your brain to shrink and pull away from the skull. This triggers the pain receptors, giving you a headache.

Dehydration also causes your blood volume to drop which in turn lowers the flow of oxygen to the brain and blood.

4. Frequent Illness

Water helps to flush toxins, bacteria and waste from our body to fight diseases and infections, but also strengthens your immune system to become sick less frequently.

If you feel like you are sick all the time, start drink more water. Keep your body free of toxins! Since lack of water also causes fatigue, you may be less physically active, which is another risk factor for weakened immunity.

5. Constipation

Not drinking enough water can cause your body to pull water from stool to compensate for fluid loss, which leads to firmer stool that is more difficult to pass.

Drinking enough water will improve good digestion and regular bowel movements. This helps keeping your stool soft and moving it easily.

If your bowel movements are infrequent and irregular, drink more water to loosen your stools and relieve constipation and bloating.

6. Decreased Urination

When your body is dehydrated, the kidneys retain as much fluid as possible to keep on doing their function. This can lead to decreased urination. It also causes your urine to become darker, stronger in odor and cloudier. When your urine is lighter and less odorous, you're drinking enough water.

7. Poor Skin

Water hydrates skin cells which makes your skin look brighter and more youthful. Lack of water can cause your skin to lose its plumpness and elasticity, which leads to dryness, fine lines, wrinkles and flakiness. That's not what we want!

Skin problems as acne can be reduced by drinking water, because it flushes toxins from our body.

8. Sugar Cravings

Dehydration disturbs our body's ability to reach into glucose stores for energy. This can trigger cravings for foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. So while you're having this desire to go for sugery food like donuts, cookies, chocolate, etc, your body actually needs water. So next time, drink a glass of water first!

If you would like to read more about the importance of water, read: "Why is water so important?"