Five ways dehydration harms your health

While staying hydrated may seem like a simple task, not meeting your body's water needs can have a significant impact on your overall health.

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Water is essential for our bodies to function properly, yet many of us unknowingly fall short of our daily hydration needs. The impact of not drinking enough water extends far beyond mere thirst, affecting everything from digestion to skin health, energy levels, and even cognitive function. Here are five critical ways inadequate hydration can harm your physical health and overall wellbeing.

1. Dry skin

Insufficient hydration can lead to dry skin.

"With a lower water intake, our skin can become dehydrated, making us susceptible to dry, itchy, and cracked skin," explains Dr Kim Goldin, senior GP and health assessment doctor at Nuffield Health. "This, in turn, can exacerbate an underlying skin condition such as dermatitis or eczema or make us prone to a skin infection."

2. Gut issues

Failing to provide your body with enough water can undermine gut health.