Too Lazy to Drink Water? These 7 Health Problems Might Catch Up with You

A survey published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics in 2019 found that nearly 50% of adults do not drink the recommended amount of water every day. This leads to mild chronic dehydration, a seemingly small problem but one that can have serious health consequences. So, what are those consequences?

Here are 7 consequences of not drinking enough water every day:

1. Fatigue and decreased concentration

Water is an important factor in helping the brain function effectively.

According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2014, mild dehydration (only about 1-2% of body weight) can cause fatigue, decreased concentration, and short-term memory loss.

If you often feel tired in the afternoon without knowing the reason, it may be the habit of not drinking enough water that is silently "sabotaging" your work productivity.

2. Constipation and digestive disorders

The digestive system depends heavily on water to function smoothly. Water helps soften stools, supports the digestive process and prevents constipation.

A 2017 study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that people who drink less than 1.5 liters of water per day are twice as likely to be constipated as those who drink enough water.

In addition, lack of water also reduces digestive secretions, causing indigestion and bloating.

3. Dry skin and premature aging

The skin is a "mirror" that reflects the body's lack of water. When the body is not provided with enough water, the skin will lose its natural moisture, become dry and prone to wrinkles.

A study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology in 2018 found that drinking enough water improves skin elasticity and moisture.

Conversely, lack of water reduces blood circulation to the skin, making the skin dull and accelerating the aging process. Drinking enough water not only helps the skin to be plump but is also the secret to preserving natural youth.

4. Headaches and migraines



Headaches are one of the common signs of dehydration.

According to a study in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain in 2015, mild dehydration can trigger headaches or worsen migraines in susceptible people. Water helps maintain pressure in the brain and helps transport oxygen to nerve cells.

If you often have headaches without finding the cause, try drinking a full glass of water before reaching for a pain reliever.

5. Risk of kidney stones




The kidneys are the organs that are directly affected by the habit of not drinking enough water. Water helps dilute minerals in urine, preventing the formation of kidney stones.

According to the American Urological Association, people who drink less than 2 liters of water per day have a 30% higher risk of kidney stones than those who drink enough water.

A 2016 study in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases also showed that increasing daily water intake can reduce the risk of kidney stone recurrence in patients with a history of the disease.

6. Increased risk of urinary tract infections

Lack of water not only increases the risk of kidney stones but also makes you susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Water helps "wash" bacteria out of the urinary tract, preventing them from sticking to the bladder wall.

According to a 2018 study in JAMA Internal Medicine, women who drink less water are 1.5 times more likely to get a urinary tract infection than those who drink enough water.

In particular, if you often feel a burning sensation when urinating or your urine is cloudy, it could be a warning sign that you need to replenish water immediately.

7. Affects cardiovascular health

Few people expect that being lazy to drink water can also affect the heart. When the body is dehydrated, the blood becomes thicker, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body.

A 2002 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that people who drink less than 5 glasses of water a day have a 46% higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those who drink enough water.

In addition, lack of water also increases the risk of stroke, especially in the elderly. Drinking enough water is not only good for the kidneys and skin, but is also a "friend" of the heart.