As the basic building block of life, water plays an essential role in almost every part of your body, from managing heat to digestion and fighting off disease. However, nearly half of all American adults don’t get enough water in their diets, leaving themselves vulnerable to a wide range of preventable health issues. Below are a few signs you may need to increase your daily water intake.

How to Tell if You Should Drink More Water

1. Dry Mouth & Lips

When you’re dehydrated, your body will try to conserve water by decreasing saliva production, which causes your mouth to feel dry and sticky. The loss of moisture also dries out the skin on your lips, eventually leaving them cracked and chapped.

2. Discolored Urine

Water is crucial for eliminating waste from the body, so dehydration forces your kidneys to concentrate your urine. If your urine is darker than light yellow, you’re probably not getting enough water every day.

3. Frequent Headaches

While constant headaches can point to a variety of medical conditions, dehydration is one of the most common causes. Some experts believe that a lack of water leads to decreased blood volume, which in turn reduces the brain’s oxygen supply.

4. Bad Breath

Saliva is your body’s first line of defense against bacteria, which can flourish inside a dry mouth. In addition to bad breath, these bacteria can also cause tooth decay, gum disease, and potentially contribute to cardiovascular problems later on.

5. Sugar Cravings

The same part of the brain regulates both hunger and thirst, which makes it tough to tell the difference between the two. If you’re craving chocolate or a sugary soft drink, try drinking a glass of water instead.

Having your own supply of fresh, clean drinking water makes it easier to stay hydrated and healthy. For over 40 years, Holmes Water Treatment Co has provided homeowners throughout St. Charles, St. Peters, and Warrenton, MO, with the best filtration systems on the market and high-tech solutions designed to meet their needs. Visit the company’s website for a look at their water treatment services, or call (636) 327-6404 to schedule an evaluation today.