Prepared by: Tabarak Ahmed Turki Al-Azzawi<br /><br />Introduction<br />Water makes up approximately 60% of the human body and is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, eliminating toxins, supporting bowel function and muscle performance, as well as keeping the skin clear and hydrated. Therefore, insufficient water intake can negatively affect the body and lead to numerous health problems.<br /><br />1. Severe Dehydration<br />Water loss in the summer is faster due to high temperatures and excessive sweating. Not compensating for this loss exposes the body to dehydration, which can lead to:<br /><br />Severe headache<br /><br />General body weakness<br /><br />Increased heart rate<br /><br />Low blood pressure<br /><br />Loss of consciousness in severe cases<br /><br />2. Heatstroke<br />Not drinking enough water can increase the risk of “heatstroke,” a medical emergency that occurs when the body is unable to cool itself. Symptoms include:<br /><br />Extremely high body temperature<br /><br />Mental confusion or loss of consciousness<br /><br />Red and dry skin<br /><br />Rapid breathing and heartbeat<br /><br />3. Impaired Kidney Function<br />In summer, the kidneys require more water to filter the blood and eliminate toxins. Insufficient water intake can lead to:<br /><br />Increased risk of kidney stones<br /><br />4. Skin and Dermatological Issues<br />High temperatures combined with low water intake lead to loss of skin moisture, causing:<br /><br />Dry skin<br /><br />Skin irritation and redness<br /><br />5. Fatigue and Quick Exhaustion<br />When the body does not get enough water, muscle function and blood circulation efficiency decrease, which leads to:<br /><br />Fatigue with minimal effort<br /><br />Difficulty focusing and paying attention<br /><br />Decreased physical and mental performance<br /><br />Tips to Help Increase Your Water Intake<br />Set a daily goal for water consumption.<br /><br />Keep a water bottle nearby at all times.<br /><br />1. Replace Other Drinks with Water<br />Try to replace soft drinks and artificial juices with water, especially when feeling thirsty.<br /><br />2. Eat Water-Rich Foods<br />Consume foods with high water content such as fresh fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges.<br /><br />3. Add Natural Flavors to Water<br />Enhance the taste of water by adding fruit slices like mint or lemon.<br /><br />4. Drink Water Before Meals<br />Drink a glass of water before each meal; this can help you feel full faster and may reduce the desire to overeat.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Not drinking enough water has significant negative effects. The body heavily relies on water to perform vital functions properly. When there is a lack of fluids, the body can suffer from a variety of problems. Therefore, it is essential to ensure adequate daily water intake.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University – The First in Iraq<br/><br/><a href=https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-of-health-medical-techniques/posts/ target=_blank>linkedin College of Health and Medical Techniques</a>