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Wellness
LifestyleHealth & Wellness

Side effects of dehydration, from bad breath and cramps to premature skin ageing

Not drinking enough water can affect you in many surprising ways beyond just thirst and headaches. Two doctors spell out the details

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The recommended daily water intake is between six and eight cups of fluid a day, roughly 1.5 to two litres. Drinking less than this can lead to surprising side effects, from cramps to low blood pressure. Photo: Shutterstock
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While staying hydrated is key to good health, the effects of dehydration can extend far beyond simply feeling thirsty and having a headache.

Even mild dehydration can affect both your body and mind in unexpected ways.

For instance, a recent study led by researchers at Liverpool John Moores University in England found that people who habitually drank less than the recommended 1.5 litres (3.2 pints) of water per day showed elevated levels of cortisol – the body’s primary stress hormone.
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The study involved 32 participants split into two groups. One group regularly met daily fluid intake recommendations – between six and eight cups of fluid a day, roughly 1.5 to two litres – while the other did not.

Each participant was given 10 minutes to prepare for a surprise job interview followed by a mental arithmetic test. Saliva samples taken before and after the stress test revealed that those who drank less water had higher cortisol levels.

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So, what other surprising effects can dehydration have on the body? We consulted two doctors to uncover the lesser-known consequences of not drinking enough water.

1. Bad breath

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